URANIUM IN THE MEDIA

Obama steps up nuclear investment
By Washington correspondent Kim Landers and wires

Updated Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:14pm AEDT

President Barack Obama has been pushing nuclear power to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and today he has announced some important financial backing for a plan to build two new nuclear reactors in the state of Georgia.

"We are announcing roughly $US8 billion in loan guarantees to break ground on the first new nuclear plant in our country in three decades," he said.

The president says the US must not fall behind the rest of the world in nuclear power, pointing out 56 reactors are being built around the world, including 21 in China.

"Even though we've not broken ground on a... new nuclear power plant in 30 years, nuclear energy remains our largest source of fuel that produces no carbon emissions.

"To meet our growing energy needs and prevent the worst consequences of climate change, we'll need to increase our supply of nuclear power. It's that simple."

Mr Obama is pushing for a law that would cap greenhouse gas emissions from industry and expand the use of renewable fuel sources such as wind and solar.

The administration hopes that by reaching out to Republicans on the nuclear issue - a top priority for key opposition politicians such as former presidential candidate John McCain - support for the stalled bill will grow.

- ABC/Reuters
www.abc.net.au

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