Finding Room for Nuclear Energy in the 'Green New Deal'

The transcript discusses the speaker's journey from academia to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, highlighting the challenges of nuclear safety, particularly during the Fukushima disaster. It examines the feasibility of including nuclear power in the Green New Deal, citing cost and scalability issues. The discussion also covers regulatory challenges, emphasizing the influence of political appointees and the need for diverse viewpoints in regulatory bodies.

What major nuclear incident did the speaker have to address during their tenure?

• Chernobyl disaster

• Kyshtym disaster

• Three Mile Island accident

• Fukushima nuclear accident

What is the main reason the speaker believes nuclear power cannot meet the Green New Deal goals?

• Insufficient technology

• Environmental concerns

• High costs and project cancellations

• Lack of public support

What percentage of electricity in the United States is currently generated by nuclear power?

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%

According to the speaker, what is becoming cheaper than nuclear power?

• Coal

• Natural gas

• Carbon-free technologies

• Oil

What is a key factor in ensuring effective regulation of nuclear power, according to the speaker?

• Increased funding

• Public awareness campaigns

• Diverse viewpoints in regulatory commissions

• Stricter laws

What does the speaker identify as a conflict within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission?

• Political interference in decision-making

• Emphasis on nuclear power survival over safety

• Focus on economic growth over safety

• Lack of technological advancement

What role do political appointees play in regulatory agencies, according to the speaker?

• They ensure unbiased decision-making

• They provide technical expertise

• They influence policy setting

• They manage day-to-day operations