Small correction Nuclear power is no more far less dangerous than any other form of energy production in terms of risk and pollution,
BTW, We are not losing our technological edge in this technology, we are years behind the last time I read anything on this. Europe is working on generation 4 reactors and we are basically twiddling our thumbs.
I fear we will never garner the political will to rectify this until gas is $4 per gallon. Like Europe.
Correct. ESKOM in South Africa is working on the Gen. IV PBMR. Japan has a couple of ABWRs on line now (Gen. III) and also built Monju, which had a minor problem with a sodium leak (a couple of liters but that was enough for the wackos to get it shutdown). France is moving ahead with Gen. IV designs.
What's happening over here? Much of the work in the nuclear business lately is directed toward waste disposal and decommissioning. We're in the process of burying our industry while others are building their's up.
Sounds like a familiar story.