What do environmental groups say about nuclear power? Union of Concerned Scientists [View All]

[kristopher]

Nuclear Power
UCS staff monitor and work to improve the safety and security provisions at existing nuclear power plants and the performance of the industry's oversight body--the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; assess the safety, security and nuclear weapons proliferation risks of new reactors; and analyze the pros and cons of increasing nuclear power as a means of reducing global warming. We write reports, file formal petitions to the NRC, testify before Congress, and provide technical assistance to groups of citizens living near nuclear plants.

These areas are discussed in detail at the link:

Nuclear Power Subsidies Will Shift Financial Risks to Taxpayers (2010)
This UCS analysis is the first to quantify the most significant nuclear power subsidies proposed in the American Power Act (APA) and the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA). These massive new subsidies would disadvantage more cost-effective, less risky approaches to curb global warming.

Nuclear Power: A Resurgence We Can't Afford (2009)
A new UCS analysis finds that the U.S. does not need to significantly expand its reliance on nuclear power to make dramatic cuts in power plant carbon emissions through 2030—and that doing so would be uneconomical.

Nuclear Power Loan Guarantees: Another Taxpayer Bailout Ahead? (2009)
With potentially 1.6 trillion dollars in risk exposure, both industry and Wall Street consider nuclear power plants too risky to finance. This report urges Congress to be cautious about committing public funds to new nuclear plants, and identifies several critical steps the federal government must take before shifting the financial risks of new nuclear plant construction onto the taxpayer.

Nuclear Power in a Warming World (2007)
In Nuclear Power in a Warming World, UCS describes the risks of nuclear power and recommends practical steps to minimize those risks, which is essential if nuclear power expands to help reduce global warming.

http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_power/