Revving Up the Debate over Nuclear Energy
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President Obama has made it clear that nuclear power must play a role in America's drive for a clean energy future. By backing nuclear power, the President seen as trying to win GOP support for his bigger environmental and climate goals. On this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, did he give away something for nothing? What’s he getting in return? On this rebroadcast of To the Point, guest host Chery Glaser considers the political, economic and environmental considerations of the President's decision. Also, the Dalai Lama, political leader or pop icon? On Reporter's Notebook, bringing an X-Games sensibility to the Winter Olympics.
Banner image: The Exelon Byron Nuclear Generating Stations running at full capacity 14 May, 2007 in Byron, Illinois, is one of 17 nuclear reactors at 10 sites in three US states. It's the nation's largest operator of commercial nuclear power plants and third largest in the world. Photo: Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images
Making News
Dalai Lama: Political Leader or Pop Icon? ()
President Obama welcomed the Dalai Lama to the White House today. The meeting was to have taken place last year, but was postponed out of concern that it could trouble the waters ahead of a US-China summit last fall. After his stay in Washington, the Dalai Lama heads to southern California for an appearance at the Gibson Amphitheatre on Sunday, on behalf of the nonprofit organization Whole Child International. Robert Barnett is Director of the Modern Tibet Program at Columbia University.
Guests:
- Robert Barnett: Director of Modern Tibetan Studies, Columbia University
Main Topic
Revving Up the Debate over Nuclear Energy ()
It's been 30 years since a nuclear reactor was built in the US. But in his State of the Union address, President Obama called for a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants to help satisfy part of the country's growing energy needs and rein in climate change. This week, he took steps to help make that happen, announcing another $36 billion in new federal loan guarantees to build nuclear power plants, on top the $18 billion already budgeted. But is nuclear energy safe? Is it the most cost-effective and efficient way to cut greenhouse gas emissions?
Guests:
- Matt Wald: Energy Reporter, New York Times
- James Connaughton: Executive VP of Corporate Affairs, Public and Environmental Policy, Constellation Energy
- Ellen Vanco: Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Project Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Jose Reyes: Chief Technology Officer, NuScale Power
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Reporter's Notebook
Fashion Makes a Big Statement at the Winter Olympics ()
The Winter Olympics are full of tradition: the Downhill, Biathlon and graceful Ski Jumping. But a new sensibility has been creeping in and gaining strength this year, with the growing popularity of X Game-style events. American snowboarder Seth Wescott, may be the first Olympian ever to claim a Gold medal wearing jeans. He's just one of the Olympians making headlines this week, as much for what they're wearing as for their performance, according to Jerry Brewer, sports columnist for the Seattle Times.
Guests:
- Jerry Brewer: Sports Columnist, Seattle Times
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.
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