Trends in U.S. Nuclear Energy Policy

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the author examines the period of the presidency of George W. Bush and the policies regarding nuclear energy propounded by the administration during that period. The paper specifically examines policies relating to nuclear weapons and the use of nuclear power as an energy source as opposed to carbon based fuels. The paper also discusses how US nuclear policies affected the US position and action on environmental and global warming issues.

From the Paper:

"Global investments in clean energy in 2007 are stated by Makower, Pernick and Wilder to have totaled approximately $148.4 billion including government R&D at $7.1 billion; corporate R&D and $9.8 billion as well as other investments including asset financing at $79.2 billion. (2008) A report entitled: "Nuclear Facts" relates that "new nuclear power plants are unlikely to provide a significant fraction of future U.S. needs for low-carbon energy." (2008) It is stated however, that nuclear plants already in existence "can compete favorably with fossil-fuel plants because they have relatively low operation, maintenance and fuel costs, and their excessive capital costs have long since been forcibly absorbed by ratepayers and bondholders." (Nuclear Facts, 2008) This report also relates the fact that expanding faster than nuclear power initiatives are renewable energy technologies."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Annual Energy Outlook 2008 Energy Information Administration. December 2007. Online available at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/electricity.html
• Alvarez, Robert (2008) Risky Appropriations: Gambling U.S. Energy Policy on the global Nuclear Energy Partnership. Nuclear Policy. 31 Mar 2008. Online available at: http://www.ips-dc.org/reports/
• Makower, Joel; Pernick, Ron; and Wilder, Clint (2008) Clean Energy Trends 2008. Clean Edge Technology Corporation.
• Nuclear Facts (2008) New Nuclear Power Plants. Online available at: www.nrdc.org/policy.
• Potter, William C. (2008) Trends in U.S. Nuclear Policy. Spring 2005. In collaboration with the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Security Studies Department. Located online available at: www.ifri.org.

More papers on Trends in U.S. Nuclear Energy Policy:

• Essay # 7804 : "Critical Issues in U.S. Latin American Policy"
• Research Proposal # 67930 : "Educational Trends in U.S. and Europe"
• Term Paper # 109892 : "U.S. China-Taiwan Policy"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: