The use of nuclear power should be continued in the US. According to CNN, there are over 104 operating commercial nuclear reactors in the US. The US utilizes 20% of nuclear power for electricity. Nuclear power is an effective and efficient source of energy. It may be expensive to construct nuclear power plants, but fuel cost is low. Nuclear power also provides energy security, there is less need to buy foreign oil, and unlike solar and wind energy, which rely on natural phenomena, nuclear power can distribute large quantities of power for long periods of time. Additionally, nuclear power is more environmentally-friendly compared to other energy sources. It has 50-100 times lower greenhouse gas emissions than coal. Nuclear power may impose risks, especially after the Japan earthquake, but some improvements in building nuclear reactors are being made to ensure safety.
Answer:
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Nuclear power should not be continued. Nuclear power causes environmental damage and is unstable for the people around it. The radioactive waste produced by nuclear energy causes the environment to remain radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years.
Effect on human health:
As more and more people are around nuclear power plants, the more exposed they are to health risks. As the radioactive materials decay and are released into the environment, it exposes citizens to health conditions, mutations, and cancers.
Effect on the environment:
Nuclear power plants use uranium as their fuel. Mining uranium causes the abundant release of carbon dioxide into the environment. There is the exposure to radioactive materials for workers and the additional release of carbon dioxide from transport for these materials.
