Constellation Energy
Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Public and Environmental Policy for Constellation Energy; former chairman and senior advisor to the President in the White House Council on Environmental Quality
PROFILE
James Connaughton
Guest
FROM James Connaughton
Which Way, L.A.?
The 'Nuclear Renaissance' and Fukushima As the danger of radiation exposure grows in Japan, President Obama has called for a safety review of existing nuclear plants. But he still plans new ones as part of America's "green energy" future. Others say nuclear power is not safe enough and that it's too expensive. Indian Point nuclear plant, located 24 miles north of New York City: Mario Tama/Getty Images
To the Point
A 'Go Slow' for US Nuclear Energy? Global warming was the best news for the nuclear power industry since Three Mile Island . New reactors were planned in the US for the first time in decades. But the growing radiation threat from Japan's disaster has raised disturbing questions about both safety and economics. President Obama has called for a safety review of existing nuclear plants, but he still plans new ones as part of America's "green energy" future. More frightened Americans are saying, "Not in my back yard," and investors are not interested unless public money is promised to pay for possible accidents. Is nuclear viable to help slow the pace of climate change? Can alternatives expand fast enough to replace it? How safe are the plants we have now?
Which Way, L.A.?
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?
To the Point
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?
To the Point
Global Warming Conference, UK Report and US Politics in a Democratic Congress A British study predicts disruption comparable to world wars and depressions unless there's immediate action to curb climate change. This week in Kenya, 180 nations are trying to agree on timetables. On Capitol Hill, James Inhofe calls global warming "the greatest hoax perpetrated on the American people." California Democrat Barbara Boxer, who’ll replace the Oklahoma Republican next year as chair of a key senate committee, urges that "time is running out and we need to move forward.” She'll propose new laws to set limits on greenhouse gases. Is American policy in for a change? If China and India don't get on board, will it make any difference?
Recommended
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?