Hydrogen Sources - Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Advances in Transportation and Power - page 137

years away.
A variety of energy options should be pursued: increased use of re-
newable energy sources, carbon sequestration at fossil-fuel plants, im-
proved efficiency of energy generation and use, and the increased use of
nuclear power. Public misunderstanding is likely to begin in the politi-
cal arena and a greater appreciation of the relation between nuclear pow-
er and emissions reduction is critical if the use of nuclear power is to be
expanded. Environmental groups include a large and dedicated antinu-
clear majority and some environmentalists who might favor nuclear will
vacillate over that view publicly. The nuclear industry may be impeded
because power companies have been forced to rely on fossil-fuel plants
for so long. The Bush administration has aggressively supported nuclear
power but has avoided emphasizing the link between nuclear power and
the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Nuclear power presents many challenges and is not acceptable un-
less plants remain committed to safety and the Nuclear Regulatory Com-
mission continues its detailed oversight. Progress toward the safe final
disposition of nuclear waste must be attained. Tightening safeguards
against the diversion of commercial technology to weapons use also must
be given a high priority among all nations.
All of these challenges can be met. Nuclear power plants have bet-
ter safety records today and new generations of reactors have designs that
improve safety even further. Debate continues about Yucca Mountain as
a disposal site for nuclear waste, but the scientific community agrees that
deep geological disposal sites are suitable for the disposition of spent fuel.
Stronger international commitments hold the promise of preventing nu-
clear power from contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear power should be seen as part of the solution, bridging more ad-
vanced technology until other carbon-free energy options become more
readily available.
The calls for a reduction of U.S. hydrocarbon use by 90% would
eliminate 75% of America's energy supply are unrealistic. This 75% of U.S.
energy cannot be replaced by alternative green sources in the near future.
In spite of wide support and subsidies for decades alternative sources still
provide a small percent of U.S. energy. The U.S. cannot continue to be a
net importer of energy without losing its economic and industrial strength
and its political independence.
Nuclear energy can be less expensive and more environmentally
sensitive than hydrocarbon energy, but it has been the victim of the poli-