Nuclear energy becomes pivotal in climate debate

WASHINGTON

But 104 power reactors in 31 states provide a fifth of the nation’s electricity while producing essentially carbon free power and no greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s something the nuclear industry has been pushing in advertising and in lobbying on Capitol Hill for nearly a decade. But only recently has it begun to resonate, not only among industry supporters, but some skeptics as well.

“If you want to address climate change and produce electricity, nuclear has got to be a significant part of the equation,” Marvin Fertel, president of Nuclear Energy Institute, the industry trade group, said in an interview.

AP