Inga Caldwell

March 19, 2011

Nuclear Disaster in Japan has Consequences for Future Nuclear Power in the U.S.

The accident in Japan has caused the U.S. to rethink its policy of expanding nuclear power. In his State of the Union address, President Obama proposed approximately $36 billion in government loan guarantees for as many as 20 new nuclear power plants. The Obama administration has indicated that it will take another look at its energy policy.

Source:

John W. Schoen, Japan accident dims odds of U.S. nuclear revival: Despite global boom in new plants, domestic hurdles are daunting, MSNBC (Mar. 14, 2011), http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42073250/ns/business-us_business.

Safety of Nuclear Reactors in California and Vermont

In light of the events in Japan, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein sent a letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requesting that the NRC evaluates the safety of California's two nuclear power plants. Senator Bernie Sanders requested a reevaluation of whether to issue a new permit for Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

Source:

Senators Question Safety of Nuclear Reactors in California and Vermont, Environmental News Service (Mar. 16, 2011), http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2011/2011-03-16-02.html.

Invasive Lionfish

A study by the U.S. Geological Survey has found that invasive lionfish have spread from the Bahamas to New England. The lionfish is the first documented case of a non-native marine fish establishing a self-sustaining population in the region. Although eradication of the lionfish is probably not possible, local efforts may be able to keep the population down.

Source:

Invasive Lionfish Now Found From Bahamas to New England, Environmental News Service (Mar. 15, 2011), http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2011/2011-03-15-091.html.

Climate Change

A report released by the National Research Council recommends that U.S. naval forces "adopt a risk analysis approach for dealing with climate change uncertainties." The report recommends that naval leadership advocates for accession to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea; that Arctic operations and training are increased for the Navy and Marine Corps; that Joint Chiefs of Staff ensure the most effective command structure with respect to the Arctic; and that U.S. Coast Guard define future icebreaker requirements.

Source:

U.S. Naval Forces Advised to Improve Readiness for Climate Change, Environmental News Service (Mar. 11, 2011), http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2011/2011-03-11-091.html.

Electric Vehicles

As gas prices increase, the early adopters of electric vehicles are more satisfied with their purchases. However, electric vehicles are expensive and drivers have reported difficulty with the charging systems and the limited battery range.

Source:

Tiffany Hsu, With gas prices rising, first electric vehicle owners are charged up, Los Angeles Times (Mar. 12, 2011), http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-ev-owners-20110312,0,1743044.story.