A pair of U.S. senators, Jim Webb, D-Va., and Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., joined together to propose a nuclear energy expansion initiative that would cost the U.S. $20 billion over the next 10 years. This initiative has been supported by both parties in its current form, as well as President Barack Obama’s administration, which is unusual given the current divisions regarding issues like health care and the stimulus packages.

This initiative would be a huge step forward for the green energy movement, as nuclear energy is one of the most efficient non-fossil fuel power supplies we have developed at this point. Nuclear energy has long been maligned and left by the wayside due to rumors and ignorance surrounding the energy source. One of the popular fears is that we could end up with a disaster like Chernobyl in our backyard, killing thousands of people and providing video game environments decades later. However, people forget why Chernobyl ruptured and had a full meltdown: The operators decided to turn off all of the safety mechanisms.

Although most critics of nuclear energy agree that other nuclear engineers would never perform such a risky experiment, the importance of proper staffing was displayed with the Three Mile Island accident, which was the single blip in our nuclear energy track record. The engineers for the power plant were not properly trained to recognize signs that one of the reactors was under excessive stress. As a result, a small amount of radioactive steam was released. However, both senators propose to have the initiative include extensive training and safety guidelines for the engineers working at the plants, rendering such accidents remote and unlikely.

The other main complaint with nuclear power is the radioactive waste leftover from the fission process. This can be avoided with the new Generation IV Breeder reactors, which can use existing nuclear waste and high-energy radioactive materials to fuel the reactor. In addition, these reactors can use that fuel much more efficiently than standard reactors, because the fuel it uses is not being burned up as the reaction progresses. This sci-fi idea is actually a reality, with France being the country using the most nuclear power. No argument against nuclear energy would be complete without mention of weaponized nuclear power. This has long been the primary reason for withholding nuclear power from volatile countries, but even this issue can be overcome. Processes have been developed for new reactors that can artificially introduce impurities as they develop the fuel. This would allow the power to be unaffected yet prevent attempts to turn the reactor-produced fuel into weapons.

Nuclear power is a useful tool that has been neglected in the corner of the toolbox for too long. We fear it due to previous incidents, but trial and error is the best method to advance the learning process. The senators’ proposed initiative would allow us to further develop this power source and use it to lower energy costs as we begin the long process of weaning ourselves off fossil fuels.