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Right now nuclear is the best way to go for reliable, economical baseload electricity generation

It is...and my state is the only one that is expanding it that I can think of at the moment. I do try and change minds on this safe use of power...and I guess it works sometimes. There is still the waste issue to deal with but modern reactors generate little of it and I *do* expect future technology to deal with it better than we can today and we can store it properly until then.

Then again, in areas that can employ large solar concentrator facilities for power generation or even desalination...I expect to see it done. For areas with lots of wind, I want to see that harvested. Ethanol, or preferably butanol, I expect to see. Same with biodiesel. I never want to again see a time when we are so dependent on just one type of fuel to supply all our needs from heat to light to transportation.

But changing the mind of the public...how do you reach those who do not care...which is the vast majority.

But changing the mind of the public...how do you reach those who do not care...which is the vast majority.

You do a little at a time. Do what you can do. Getting organized is one way. That is what the anti-nukes do. Find an advocacy group and help out. American Nuclear Society is a professional organization but they have a public outreach function. Nuclear Energy Institute is a trade organization but they offer public education services. Take advantage of these.

I have come to a somewhat disconsolate but unalterable conclusion that the average American is quite intellectually lazy. It usually takes a shock to awaken them from their torpor. We've had those in the past with gasoline shortages and high prices, but the primary reaction seems to be screeching and a cry for government to "do something". When the really big shock comes, maybe it will change attitudes, but it may cost a lot of lives in doing so.

“It is...and my state is the only one that is expanding it that I can think of at the moment. “

Actually there is a LOT of movement on nuclear power plants in many states, with 30 new nuclear power plants on the drawing boards...

List:
http://www.nei.org/index.asp?catnum=2&catid=344

http://www.nei.org/index.asp?catnum=4&catid=1032
“As the nation looks to strengthen its energy security, meet future electricity needs and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, 16 energy companies and consortia over the past 18 months have announced their intention to file license applications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build as many as 30 new nuclear power plants.”

BTW, more on Excelon’s site:
http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2007/06/exelon-announces-two-possible-texas.html