Federal funding for the nuclear option: it's effect on energy conservation programs
In his talk, Neither Conflict Nor Competition Between Nuclear and Conservation Programs, Dr. Richard W. Roberts sees ERDA's conservation and new technology emphasis steadily increasing. The nuclear budget of just over $2.8 billion covers all the major programs from energy R and D, resource assessment, and fuels production to national security and space applications. The conservation and new technologies emphasis is supported by a budget of nearly $700 million. If there were no nuclear power, the goals of conservation could not be met without disrupting the economies and standards of living of the nation, Dr. Roberts contends. Nuclear power portrays best one of the main objectives of the conservation ethic: uranium-produced electricity frees other more precious fossil fuels. Each nuclear plant now conserves ten million barrels of oil (or 25 thousand tons of coal) per year. Representative Richard L. Ottinger contends in his talk, Our Nuclear Commitment Is Indeed Overshadowing A Strong Conservation Policy, that more risks are involved in the commitment to nuclear power than in an assertive effort of conservation and in a continuous effort to develop renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, or fusion. He also believes energy usage in the energy-intensive sectors needs to be curtailed. He challenges engineers to use their skills to increase the efficiency of building, industrial, and transportation systems; for recycling urban wastes; and for developing total energy systems. Rep. Ottinger points out that the Administration last year spent less than 2% of $3 billion R and D budget on conservation. ERDA requested 5% for conservation and 50% for nuclear fission; the Office of Management and Budget cut back ERDA's original request by 54% for conservation and by only 7% for the breeder. This then is why he concludes that ''Yes, our nuclear commitment is indeed overshadowing a strong conservation policy.'' (MCW)
- OSTI ID:
- 7328635
- Journal Information:
- Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Vol. 46:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Nuclear R and D: is it starving conservation
Contributions of ERDA officials to energy seminar sponsored by New York Society of Security Analysts
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
BUDGETS
NUCLEAR POWER
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SECURITY
US ERDA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER
US ORGANIZATIONS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
291000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation