To the Point

Natural Disasters, Global Warming and Alternative Energy

The Department of Energy says the United States will need 45% more power by the year 2020, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have dramatized America's vulnerability to another energy crisis. The recently passed Energy Bill provides investment incentives to jump-start new designs for nuclear reactors. Next week, Congress will consider easing clean air requirements, so it'll be easier to build new refineries. Meantime, President Bush has called for "better conservation" and increased supply, especially nuclear power, which does not emit greenhouse gases. Is it time for another look at nuclear plants, which have been long considered a dangerous investment? Can nonpolluting solar and wind consistently produce enough power to meet America's needs? What about so-called "clean coal?" We consider several alternatives to fossil fuels. Making News: High Court Weighs In on Assisted Suicide Oregon's assisted suicide law provided the first major argument today for the new Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts. The issues include the right to an agonizing personal choice and the right of the federal government to overturn a law twice approved by state voters. David Savage covers the court for the Los Angeles Times. Reporter's Notebook: Bush Says Military May Have Role in Event of Bird Flu Pandemic At yesterday's news conference, President Bush said he's not predicting a pandemic of Avian Flu in the United States, but that he is worried about the nation's ability to respond to such a crisis. So he's put on the table for consideration by Congress the idea that if a quarantine were needed, the military should be empowered to enforce it. Dr. Irwin Redlener is Associate Dean of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.