Media needs to report both sides of reactor debate

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

If nuclear power advocates have their way in the United States, consumers and taxpayers (who will subsidize the expansion project with more national debt) will end up paying much more for electricity costs, not less.

The news media in Calvert County needs to present both sides of the nuclear power debate in a county that will have to live with the existing nuclear reactors, even as a new one isÊbeing built.

There is more to the story than just what the Baltimore Gas and Electric company and the local media and politicians are telling the public. Local newspapers need to investigate the issue and report both sides of the issue of building a third reactor in Calvert County, instead of acting as a public relations firm forÊnuclear advocates and visiting state politicians who can return home and be a safe distance from a possible nuclear disaster in Calvert County.

Having no disaster in 32 years is certainly a good record, but not a sufficient enough reason to warrant building more reactors and increase the risk in the next generation.

Even bridges are very strong when first built, but we’ve seen them collapse when they get old and worn out.

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our homeland, building new nuclear reactors should be done with thoughtful consideration, especially the idea of clustering too many reactors together in one place.

Any new reactors should be built near Annapolis or Baltimore, since some of our state’s politicians think they’re safe and proven now.

John Douglas Parran, St. Leonard