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Obama reignites America’s nuclear program

President Obama has given the green light, and 8.3 billion in loan guarantees, to construct two nuclear reactors in Georgia. If the deal goes through, it will be the first nuclear reactor built on US soil since the 1970s. The President says the push for nuclear energy is part of his plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs (the construction phase is expected to create thousands of jobs). Republicans and industry leaders support the President’s pro nuclear stance but not everyone is supportive. Some environmentalists want stronger safety measures in place and others claim taxpayers will be left holding the bag if the $14 billion dollar project goes boom.

Guests:

Steve Kerekes, spokesman, Nuclear Energy Institute

Jim Riccio, nuclear policy analyst for Greenpeace