Industry in search of subsidy
The author observes that the early optimism of Glenn T. Seaborg and other nuclear pioneers that the US would develop a plutonium economy was misplaced because they failed to publicize the health and safety hazards, the risks of weapons proliferation, social implications, and the distinction between civilian and military uses of nuclear energy. The Three Mile Island accident and detailed analyses showing the unfavorable economics of commercial breeder reactor and reprocessing programs have increased public debate. Abbotts notes that the current state of the industry requires extensive federal subsidy to make it viable, an approach that is contrary to the Reagan administration's stand on free-market economics. He claims that shifting budget support from renewable energy sources to nuclear power is a cost-ineffective policy that will accelerate worldwide interest in the plutonium fuel cycle and undercut efforts to limit nuclear weapons proliferation. 20 references. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 6629032
- Journal Information:
- Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 38:7; ISSN BASIA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Plutonium-use policy. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy, Nuclear Proliferation, and Government Processes of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Second Session, September 9, 1982
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Related Subjects
210000* -- Nuclear Power Plants
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACTINIDES
BREEDER REACTORS
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUEL CYCLE
INDUSTRY
METALS
NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
PLUTONIUM
PROLIFERATION
REACTORS
SUBSIDIES
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS