A good question, SuperCruz. However, it does really matter, as if you see the present US elections, you will notice that nuclear energy does play a big role.
Democrats are basically more inclined to "environment issues" and would rather use renewable sources of energy than nuclear as they would like to avoid nuclear accidents which can be disastrous for environment, and health besides the security threats from terrorists.
Republicans basically are more pressing for âalternative energy sourcesâ like solar, water, wind and even including nuclear, which they feel that shall help US achieve energy independence.
Both aims to reduce oil imports and are ready to spend billions for doing so. However, the
Democrats do not want to spend building nuclear reactors which are an expensive, time consuming and hazardous experience.
Another factor is that Uranium that is used in nuclear reactors is not a renewable energy source, which is another point for democrats to be against nuclear energy.
Moreover,
another major factor is ever since the 1979 accident of the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania; there were no plans for a new nuclear plant has been filed. Only last year, things are changing and new plans might be in the anvil as even the anti-nuke people have started considering ânuclear powerâ. Opposition against nuclear energy has definitely watered down the years.
For more information, please see the following links:
- Three Mile Island accident - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Three Mile Island
- The American Experience | Meltdown at Three Mile Island | Timeline (1942 - 1959)
- Nuclear plants become a factor in elections | Dallas Morning News
