Students and experts wrestle
with future of nuclear power
Nuclear power currently produces only 19 percent of the nation's electricty, but 18 new plants are waiting for regulatory approval.
Carolina Power and Light Co. wants to build one of those plants. It's been almost 30 years since the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a new reactor.
A Washington and Lee chemistry class taught by Frank Settle tried its hand at requesting a nuclear reactor during a mock hearing on Wednesday.
Two experts on nuclear power presided over the hearing and voiced their personal views on energy sources afterwards.
W&L Law Professor Al Carr, one of the experts, says the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will reach a decision about whether to allow the reactor in North Carolina within the next 18 months.
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Indira Somani
Editing supervisor:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd