Introduction
Nuclear energy is one of the significant sources of power supply in the United States. It offers jobs to citizens who work directly in the industry and those who rely on generated energy to run their enterprises. However, due to concerns about the adverse effects of nuclear plants, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has an ethical mandate to license power plants that meet environmental and public health requirements. Laws such as the Atomic Energy Act provides the requirements for operating a power plant. Although there are a few disadvantages of nuclear energy, the advantages in the generation of power, creating employment, and conservation of the environment makes it an ideal investment for the country.
Environmental Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy does not omit carbon, the leading cause of global warming. Environmentalists have realized that nuclear energy is clean and requires little fuel demand (Lombaard & Kleynhans, 2016). The implication is that nuclear power can be used effectively in the fight against climate change (Nakano, 2020). The clean and renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuel. Thus, nuclear energy could be the ultimate solution to the global demand for clean and renewable energy.
The use of nuclear energy to replace fossil fuel and other carbon-emitting sources of power has the potential to enhance compliance with international policies on environmental protection. For instance, research shows that using nuclear energy as an alternative to fuel supply can improve commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals agendas and the Paris Climate Change (Nathaniel et al., 2021). The implication is that the country will be perceived as environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the United States should further adopt other green policies to enhance its standards in the fight against global warming.
Economic Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power helps in the generation of electricity which is used commercially and in residences to engage in various income generating activities. Noteworthy, the use of nuclear power to generate electricity started in the 1950 and continues to increase (Horvath & Rachel, 2016). For instance, there are now 96 commercial nuclear reactors operating in the United States, which make up about 20% of the country’s electricity production (Nakano, 2020). Electricity is used for light and heat energy which are essential for almost all businesses. Given that the United States is a 24 hours’ economy, its demand for electricity is high and necessary for commercial sustainability.
The nuclear energy is a highly sustainable enterprise with stable suppliers and highly skilled workers, which makes it generate high profits. Noteworthy, during the 2008 financial crisis, the nuclear energy volume of trade developed steadily from USD 4139.72 million to USD 9167.65 million in 2001 and 2009, respectively (Li et al., 2022). Given that the economic development of the United States is essential, there is a need to embrace the business enterprises that generate profit. Furthermore, trade helps maintain good business ties with raw materials suppliers.
Many people have permanent and contractual employment directly from the nuclear power plant. Remarkably, the state of California plans to create 220,000 construction and operation jobs lasting for forty years (Ram et al., 2020). The implication is that there will be many people who get jobs from nuclear energy. The estimate is up to 52 million ongoing job opportunities for clean electricity (Ram et al., 2020). Access to jobs is critical to ensure that people are self-sufficient and can provide for their families. Moreover, employment within the nuclear energy industry will likely result in higher earnings and job security. Therefore, the economic empowerment of individuals and the nation is vital for sustainability.
Environmental Costs of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy causes severe accidents and releases radioactive components to the environment. A slight human error or natural causes can result in major nuclear accidents such as Armageddon, leading to massive loss of human life (Lombaard & Kleynhans, 2016). Moreover, radioactive emissions affect the quality of air, soil, and water, causing harm to humans, animals, and plants. For example, in 2013, there was a radiation water leakage in a nuclear plant known as Fukushima (Li et al., 2022). The radioactive substances are known to contribute to major chronic diseases such as cancer.
The nuclear waste from the power plant is hazardous to many living organisms. For example, some of the radioactive wastes that the nuclear power plant produces include uranium mill tailings. Worse still, most of the radioactive waste materials remain toxic for centuries and continue to affect the health of people, animals, and plants. Notably, even the tools, such as the protective clothing that people wear while working, may contain small levels of radioactive substances. Proper disposal of all waste products is essential to protect the ecosystem from negative effects.
Economic Cost of Nuclear Energy
Many people in the United States are rightly opposed to the use of nuclear energy because of the possibility of mass destruction. A research study shows that there is a significant connection between the use of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons (Baron & Herzog, 2020). The existence of such weapons of mass destruction requires money for maintenance when there is peace. Moreover, nuclear weapons can cause tension between borders and destroy diplomatic existence, directly affecting international trade relations.
The price of the nuclear energy may drop and make some of the plants unprofitable. For instance, in 2013, a Wisconsin atomic energy power plant was closed because it was no longer generating income (Roth & Jaramillo, 2017). Notably, many people do not have a good faith in nuclear energy, and some have gone to the social media channels like Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with the nuclear power plants (Gupta et al., 2016). The reputation of the nuclear energy among the public is bad. Therefore, the business can be risky when people opt for other energy sources in an attempt to cause a nuclear power plant to close.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nuclear energy has many economic and environmental strengths which the United States can capitalize. It offers a solution to the current global warming crisis since it does not emit carbon and uses low fuel. Moreover, the nuclear energy is clean and generate a fifth of all electricity consumption in the United States. It promises to create job security with a better pay for millions of people. However, despite being a profitable endeavor, it is an economically risky endeavor because of the negative reputation. The radioactive waste materials from the plants are fatal and long-lasting. The implication is that to continue enjoying the benefits of nuclear energy, it is vital to devise mechanisms for properly disposal of byproducts. Otherwise, nuclear power offers an excellent opportunity for the economic and environmental sustenance of the United States.
References
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