Group Promotes Nuclear Power in Iowa

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

Tools

By Scott Sanborn

Story Created: Oct 5, 2006 at 6:41 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 5, 2006 at 5:01 PM CST

PALO-A national push to build more nuclear power plants moved into Eastern Iowa on Thursday.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center is Iowa's only nuclear generating plant. But a national group called "Clean and Safe Energy" coalition (CASEnergy coalition) wants to see more plants constructed.

One co-chair of the group, backed by the nuclear industry, is Canadian Patrick Moore. Moore was one of the founders of the international "Greenpeace" environmental group. But Moore says he broke with the group 20 years ago because he believes nuclear power is a "greener" option for the production of electricity.

Moore visited the DAEC plant in Palo on Thursday and met with local business and political leaders to enlist their support for more nuclear power plants.

Currently, 103 nuclear plants are licensed in the United States. In Iowa, just over 10 percent of the state's power comes from nuclear sources. Nearly 80 percent comes from coal.

Moore says with changes in federal law last year, between 16 and 20 groups are now pursuing new nuclear plant licenses. A newly-licensed nuclear plant hasn't been built in the U.S. in about 30 years. Moore says he expects to see new plants operating in about six to eight years.

By some estimates, the country will need to increase electrical capacity by some 45 percent by the year 2030. Moore says adding more nuclear capacity could meet the demand without producing more greenhouse gases.

Proponents also say a new round of nuclear plant construction would also mean many new jobs and economic activity.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG