I strongly support John Hutson's idea for a nuclear power plant in Fresno. The more I read [about them] on the Web, the safer they look. He tells me individual Fresnans would see the maximum decrease in their electric bills if a municipal electric district were created for the nuclear plant. The Prop 218 process would in that case guarantee lower rates for Fresnans. Are you aware of this, and do you support a MUD in connection with the nuclear plant idea?Loran Harding
At one point, the idea of building a nuclear plant at the city wastewater plant was floated. (http://www.fresnobeehive.com/opinion/hutson/ ) Do you have any plans to explore a power plant of some type (solar, nuclear, etc.) operating in conjunction with the water facilities?
Scott Martin
Loran, I firmly believe that it will be extremely difficult for this Valley to move forward, unless we become, in some way, energy self-sufficient. Energy bills have become burdensome to Valley families and businesses to the breaking point. I strongly support John Hutson's laser beam focus on this issue. Nuclear energy is, by every measure, the safest form of energy available today. Producing our own nuclear power would make us not only self-sufficient, but a supplier to the grid as well. The safety concerns have been met, the economic advantages are being analyzed, so full-speed ahead.
Scott, the existence of the wastewater treatment plant is one of the reasons that many people who are looking at nuclear energy get excited about its possibility. One of the requirements to produce nuclear energy is large amounts of water. The wastewater treatment plant would provide that.
Mayor Autry
I am a big proponent of High Speed Rail. No city in California would benefit more than Fresno. We are midway between LA and SF on the route. I believe it would bring huge economic development to Fresno. It will be on the ballot in 2008. I urge you to speak out often around Calif in support of HSR.
I moved here in 2000 from Santa Clara which has its own electric utility, Silicon Valley Power. My last bill there in August was under $35! Please see www.siliconvalleypower.com. Residential customers there pay 45% less for electricity than we pay to PG and E. Please explore municipalizing out electric system. We could do that even if nuclear goes no where.
Those interested in nuclear power might find my online profile of atomic energy worth checking out.
I have worked in the nuclear industry over twenty years. Within the novel "Rad Decision" I examine =the various pros and cons of this energy source. There's no cost to readers - and they seem to like it, judging by their homepage comments. Endorsed by Stewart Brand, noted environmentalist and founder of The Whole Earth Catalog. See http://RadDecision.blogspot.com
thank god that "the safety concerns have been met"...'nuff said, Bubba...still,..we've got what,like 8 years to think about it, while the courts play out the process,... laser-focused or not, there may be good reasons for the moratorium.and how bout those outrageous cost overruns at diablo canyon? Loren, the voters overwhelmingly approved a light rail bond years ago,so long ago i cant even remember,but 800 million dollars never got spent on lightrail...anybody out there remember the particulars,seem to recall caltrans sucking it up.
The Great Central Valley and Fresno have an abundance of nuclear power - solar. Considering air quality, limited water and the precautionary principle, as well as safety, putting photovoltaic panels on the roof of every church, school, business, home and city office, is the most cost-effective way to go to take advantage of fusion (nuclear) power.
No rational person suggests fission (nuclear) power because of cost, safety and water considerations. Conservation, per the Rocky Mountain Institute, is extremely cost-effective when compared to new construction.
Do you support the use of nuclear power? Here is a poll that just started. Anyone can vote on it. http://www.apopularitycontest.com/display_poll.php?ID=5709