The Nuclear Energy Option: An Alternative for the 90s

University of Pittsburgh physicist Cohen provides accessible, scientifically sound risk analyses of the energy options that he believes must be exercised in the next 10 years. This update of his work on public energy policy stands opposed to the stack of recent greenhouse effect-oriented titles by proposing more nuclear power plants (including fuel reprocessing plants) as statistically the safest, most environmentally sound solution. Cohen advances the debate on energy policy for all sides by first quantifying the human health costs of coal- and oil-generated electricity, and by debunking solar technology's deus ex machina role. In this context, Cohen looks at issues surrounding nuclear power since Three Mile Island, such as the ``unsolved problem'' of nuclear waste disposal and the ``China Syndrome.'' Media people especially are urged to re-examine ``nuclear hysteria'' (no one ever writes about `` deadly natural gas,'' Cohen notes), and even anti-nuclear activists will find the study's appendices and notes a sourcebook for the coming round of public policy issues likely to emerge as a result of the Mideast crisis. (Nov.)