Why are Democrats against nuclear energy?

Question

I'm curious to know why Democrats are against nuclear energy. Considering that there are no CO2 emissions when creating the energy, you would think they would love this idea.

Answer 1

Educated energy specialists are against nuclear energy right now for most places in the world, not only democrats. Republicans with a long term view, if sufficiently educated in the field should also be against due to the economic dilemna they represent:

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Uranium is a finite fuel (non renewable) and its cost is increasing. I don´t even mention the problems of nuclear proliferation.

Comissioning/construction of nuclear power plants: 10 years

Lifetime: 40-60 years

Liability of nuclear waste to operators has made it unattractive.

Nuclear produces large heavy-metal pollution for the uranium enrichment.

Nuclear has the same CO2 intensity as combined cycle gas turbines when looked over the whole lifecycle. As such it compars poorly to renewables.

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In 7 to 15 years, solar power will be at grid parity (same cost as other sources of power offered on the grid) in sunny places like New Mexico or southern Spain.

This is the case since the solar industry is a fast "learning process" where the cost is decreasing fast (unlike nuclear energy).

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

The output of new solar factories is projected to increase to 5GW in 5 years meaning that solar power will install the equivalent of several new nuclear power plant each year and (in a near future) at a lower cost.

A nuclear power plant regarding its lifetime and comissioning would if started now have its half operating time in 2038. That means that FOR SURE it will be an ECONOMIC SUBOPTIMAL OPTION WHEN COMPARED TO SOLAR.

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I REPEAT: a nuclear power plant started now will cost more during its whole lifetime than solar energy (almost for sure).

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There is no such thing as democrat vs republican. There are only good economic analysis with cost/benefit for the society on the long term vs. poor short term choices.

Answer 2

Our Democrats and their liberal whacko's have put us in the wonderful position we are in. They killed our Nuclear Program. They fight any domestic drilling. They oppose every alternative except Solar and Wind which will never be able to supply enough to support our way of life, then they pass stupid emissions laws that prevent us from being able to drive those 60-70MPG cars available right now in Europe and other parts of the world.

On top of all that, then they want more of our money to give away to irresponsible individuals that will not get off their ***.

Answer 3

They lack the knowledge of the safe guards that go into making a nuclear power plant. France is 80% nuclear.Hollywood changed the mind of many liberals.

Answer 4

Having living near nuclear and had thyroid crash etc Nuclear emits radioactive steam all thrughout S.E. MASS..becuase wind and solar can meet the demands and they (politicians) know this. coal nuclear and gas is all about Investors and Greed

Answer 5

THEIR AFRAID OF A NEU-CLEAR MISHAP

Answer 6

Law of Physics:

Energy can't either be created nor destroyed. Energy can, however be converted from one form to another. The caveat is that the conversion is NEVER 100% efficient.

Let's see if we all drive electric cars we plug in at night charging them all with nuclear energy, we would be up to our asses in nuclear waste (literally the entire inventory x4+) in less than 10 years.

That's why the Democrats don't like nuclear energy. From an environmental view, I don't either. I live not far from the San Onofre Nuclear Plant. The ocean water anywhere near the place is 10-15 deg F. warmer. The local fish are huge. Weird but explainable, huge. The more of these mankind builds the more we turn the oceans literally into jacuzzi spa tubs. Now fast forward 100 years in your head. Sucks doesn't it?

Answer 7

Democrats are scared of modern technology that they don't understand.  There's plenty of nuclear material to keep reactors going for centuries, and the waster that a reactor produces in a year fits under your desk.  There's plenty of places it can be safely stored.  And there's less radiation from a nuclear power plant then there is from a cell phone.

Liberals want to live in the past.  If we left our life up to them, we would all live in caves.

Answer 8

They are against nuclear energy, hydroelectric energy, coal fired energy, drilling for our own oil, and now there are even some enviro-wackos (Democrats) that are against wind power. Thank them every time you buy gas....as long as you are able to buy gas.

Answer 9

Considering it requires government funding to make it economically viable (socialism?) and concentrates power in the hands of the few rather than spreading it around (Liberal) why are the republicans for it? Nuclear power is like the energy equivalent of big government.

*Edit*

"Liberals want to live in the past."

Lmao.