Uranium or Not!

 Some electricity in the U.S.site. Research shows cancer percentages are higher
Today, nuclear energy is America's second largestin these locations. From this perspective it is easily
source of electric power, following coal. Since ourunderstood that even if the atomic energy facilities
power grid system is interconnected, practicallyare safe with their operation and location
every American gets a portion of their electricityaway from the public. The problem is the disposal of
from nuclear power plants. The largest number ofthe waste; where to store it or keep storing it.
nuclear reactors are located in the eastern portion ofWaste can stay radio active for thousands of years.
the united states. Nuclear reactors are fueled byThere simply is not enough room for the waste.
uranium or plutonium in a solid form. Nuclear energyGovernmental Resolve
plants produce electricity through the fission ofThe GNEP Global Nuclear Energy Partnership a
uranium and plutonium.partnership of the 2006 Bush administration; has
Wise Concernproposed to recycle nuclear waste. Developing
This causes some concern for Americans. A lot ofcountries would be the consumers of this
people have heard about the three mile island meltreprocessed nuclear waste fuel;Â given the fact
down in 1979. These are not the type of worries wethat this type of fuel is not weapons-grade plutonium
face now. Uranium and plutonium are very nastyand can be kept out of dangerous hands.
elements after they become nuclear waste. Over theAnother Resolution
decades managing the coolant processes which keepIt is predicted that over the next couple of years
the byproduct safe from meltdown have becomenuclear facilities already in operation will begin to shut
more advanced only minimal error now exists. Healthdown. Renewable sources of energy are on the rise
studies show that living around a nuclear plant canand gaining momentum faster than any other source
cause childhood leukemia. This can simply beof energy supply. It's only been over one year since
prevented by creating a perimeter around thethe "go green" trend has started to catch on. Now
reactor facility and designating it as a non residentialthere is at least to large companies successfuly
area; up to 50 or 75 miles.Âpromoting consumer Eco energy products such as
No Safe Keepingsolar panels and wind powered generators. The
The true issue becomes where the storage sitespercentage of Americans buying these items is
of spent uranium and plutonium will be. Currentlygrowing rapidly. "The United States is becoming the
there are 161 million people in the U.S. living as closeleader in environmentally friendly power -supply and
as 75 miles away from what is known as ademand-." Statement by. Kryss Crinega'l Social
Department of Energy 121 nuclear waste storageScience Major at Western Academic Center Main.