Future of nuclear power after Chernobyl

Journal Article · · Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States)

OSTI ID:6797202

Asselstine, J K

If nuclear power plants are to have a future in the US, existing plants must demonstrate a safe and accident-free operation, the public must perceive that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is independent and objective, safety corrections must make operating plants more reliable, and the US must develop an acceptable way to dispose of high-level radioactive wastes. Focusing on safe operation and public confidence in the NRC, the author examines the consequences of the Chernobyl accident and compares public opinion reactions with those following the Three Mile Island accident. He notes the recent NRC decisions have been counterproductive to the nuclear industry, but that other countries have demonstrated that the goal of safe nuclear power is achievable. The NRC will have to increase the level of public participation in the regulatory process if it hopes to restore its former level of credibility.

• OSTI ID: 6797202
• Journal Information: Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States) Vol. 6:2; ISSN VJNLD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACCIDENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
ATTITUDES
CHERNOBYLSK-4 REACTOR
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTORS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LWGR TYPE REACTORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
POWER REACTORS
PUBLIC OPINION
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTORS
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMAL REACTORS
THREE MILE ISLAND-2 REACTOR
US NRC
US ORGANIZATIONS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS