5. Nuclear power

The Indian Point plant lies along the shore of the Hudson River estuary, famous since European settlement (and probably before written history among American Indians of eastern North America) for its scenery. The power plant’s license is up for renewal, raising the question of whether nuclear reactors of this size should be so near major cities.

Key facts

• About 161 million Americans—more than half the population—live within 75 miles of one of the 104 nuclear power plants in the United States.

• The United States would need 1,000 new nuclear power plants of the same design and efficiency as existing nuclear plants to completely replace fossil fuels.

• Conventional nuclear power plants are not a short-term solution to the energy ...

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