Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain

Supporters view nuclear energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, while opponents argue that the radioactive waste it produces will cause environmental problems for years to come. In your view, do the benefits of nuclear energy (i.e. less pollution) outweigh the risks (i.e. toxic waste)?

a) YES. The benefits outweigh the risks. Expand the use of nuclear energy.

b) NO. The benefits do not outweigh the risks. Reduce dependence on nuclear energy.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain

Suppose that the government just selected your hometown as the next site for a nuclear waste storage facility. Knowing that you'll be living with nuclear waste as your neighbor, are your feelings toward nuclear energy any different than they were a moment ago? If you were asked Question #1 again (i.e. Do the benefits of nuclear energy outweigh the risks?) how would you respond?

a) YES. The benefits outweigh the risks. Expand the use of nuclear energy.

b) NO. The benefits do not outweigh the risks. Reduce dependence on nuclear energy.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain

President Bush authorized the Yucca Mountain site in spite of strong objections from citizens and prominent politicians in Nevada. Should a national politician like the President be able to make a decision that impacts a particular state or community, even when the residents of that state or community actively oppose it?

a) YES. The President should have the ultimate authority to make this decision.

b) NO. The President should not be able to override the objections of the state and its residents.