Nuclear Power (spun off from Japan earthquake discussion)

[MistressStevie]

Originally Posted by smc

[Y]ou sure do seem pretty certain of there being "little long term effect." Are you a lobbyist for the nuclear power industry?

My day job in in the energy business. Been there for years. Been in and out of more power plants than I can count. I work with nuclear engineers and the like. So yes, I am the business. But, I bust my little tail to be objective and the press is not noted for the same.

Basically it all comes down to this, it appears that the containment is working in Japan. Not perfectly though as a 9.0 Earthquake and 15 meter tsunami are outside any design considerations. If you see pictures of the containment systems breached--then get nervous. Up until then, the press is playing this for shock value and ratings. And the chicken little crowd is running with it.

I am not too proud to say that after this all plays out--I will adjust my opinion if I am found to be wrongly pro-nuclear power. But, right now there are good people working to minimize the damage. Catch this: They built a power line in days. Normally it takes years to build a power line anywhere. So the best and brightest are working to minimize damage. And--I believe in people!

-mS