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Nuclear Power: Renewable or Not?

Posted by Stephanie • June 8th, 2009 • Printer-friendly
Senator McCain says Nuclear Power is Renewable

Senator McCain says Nuclear Power is Renewable

Last week, the age old question that has been debated time and again came up for a Senatorial vote in Congress.  Nuclear Power: renewable or not?  John McCain (R-AZ) voted yes, in the context of whether energy generated by nuclear power plants should qualify to meet a proposed 15% renewable generation requirement for utilities starting in 2o11 and ending between 2021 and 2039.

Talk on what a Renewable Electricity Standard would include was a hot topic on Capitol Hill.   Currently, nuclear power is not considered a “renewable electricity source,” in the proposed Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee bill.  McCain sought an amendment to add the power source.  Despite opposition, he did not easily give up on his proposal:

“Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, have cleaner sources of energy and diversity: I certainly think nuclear power meets all of those definitions.”
McCain is not alone in his thinking.  Senator Corker (R-TN) is also a proponent, noting that nuclear power is carbon-free, and that the RES should not penalize states in the Southeast that have significantly invested in nuclear – and have limited options when it comes to wind or solar.
What is clear is that Congress will vote on a renewable power mandate this week, and that will not include nuclear power as one way to achieve the industry targets.  Somehow, however, I do not believe the debate on whether nuclear power is renewable is over.  I expect to see this issue come up again on Capitol Hill, during election season, and even at local levels as we continue to struggle to gain energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What is your position on the debate?  Do you believe nuclear power is renewable?   Why or why not?

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