tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616542941395272083.post641921837140709023..comments2023-05-23T04:21:47.246-07:00Comments on morning coffee: there will be no significant leak, there will be no "bomb"Jim G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00142119429985458217noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4616542941395272083.post-33630357194026458862011-03-15T08:02:15.215-07:002011-03-15T08:02:15.215-07:00New nuclear energy plants are a non-starter on so ...New nuclear energy plants are a non-starter on so many levels:<br /><br />1. Where do we store the waste for 6,000 years? Isn't it irresponsible to create something that needs protecting that length of time? How many nations have lasted that long? Fundamentalist Christians don't think the planet is even that old.<br /><br />2. Do we want to create new terrorist targets? The plants and the fuel are very attractive to the bad guys. <br /><br />3. New nuclear plants are not feasible without massive government subsidy. Financial markets won't invest without government guarantees protecting the downside. The taxpayers - not the investors - get to pay the tab in the event of catastrophe. <br /><br />4. Taking the "nuclear route" internationally will lead to ever more Irans and North Koreas. If we are promoting nuclear power, why should 't they? hat is good for the goose is good for the gander.<br /><br />5. American ingenuity and genius needs to be directed - through market forces - to design cost effective renewable energy sources and efficient conservation solutions. A revenue neutral CARBON TAX is just the ticket.<br /><br />6. Bonus Comment: "High prices cure high prices" - if a gas tax of $1/gallon were added, you would not see that in the price for long. The very act of the tax would be bearish for oil markets. The oil exporters would ultimately be the largest "taxpayers" of a CARBON TAX. That said, a floor would be installed on the retail price, which would provide the necessary incentive for capital to flow to alternative energy and conservation/efficiency solutions.Baxterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16542863255802738652noreply@blogger.com