Group of scientists worry about nuclear subsidies

Feb 23 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - The Tennessean, Nashville

The group has released a report looking at subsidies to the industry here: http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/nuclear-power-subsidies-report-0504.html

Energy efficiency is a faster and a much less costly way to reduce carbon emissions, according to the group.

It also says alternative sources of energy are viable as prices drop for the production.

The industry has several benefits from subsidies that offset operating costs, including uranium mining, accident liability insurance, and plant decommissioning, said said Doug Koplow, the author of the report with the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based consulting firm, Earth Track.

The Obama administration has proposed another $36 billion in federal loan guarantees for new reactor construction.

That would bring the total amount of nuclear loan guarantees to $58.5 billion, an amount that taxpayers would have to pick up if the private companies getting them defaulted.

Industry representatives have said these loans are needed as the country finds a way to provide electricity that doesn't result in carbon dioxide emissions that add to climate change.