As US demand for energy is consistently increasing, there is a strong possibility of the government seriously stepping up its reliance on nuclear power.
20 percent of US electricity supply comes from nuclear power. The last nuclear power opened in the US ten years ago.
Dale Klein, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said that several things make nuclear power an attractive option, primarily that it does not emit carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming and the unpredictability of fossil fuel costs.
He said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received applications for 27 new nuclear power plants in the US and some of them were "very, very strong" expressions of interest.
To adjust with the increasing number of applications, the agency has created a new office of new reactor operations so that the individuals that are monitoring the existing fleet are not distracted.
Past history including the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island nuclear plant disasters have underscored public concerns over the safety of a nuclear plant.
Klein said he is confident that existing and new nuclear energy plants in the US are and will be safe and secure.
France, Japan, Russia and Germany have significant nuclear energy generating programs.
Readers might find http://RadDecision.blogspot.com interesting if they would like an inside account of life in a US nuclear power.