US Plans a Large Increase in Nuclear Power

Last week George Bush surprised analysts by saying that the US was addicted to oil and should greatly reduce imports from the Middle East by developing “cleaner, cheaper and more reliable alternative energy sources.

The US now plans a large increase in nuclear power. According to Bush, the program would push “zero-emission coal-fired plants,” “solar and wind technologies,” and “clean, safe nuclear energy.” But environmental experts say that “clean” coal and “safe” nuclear power are contradictions in terms.