Mary L. Walker

In the following viewpoint, Mary L. Walker asserts that nuclear power plants generate electricity more inexpensively than do plants burning fossil fuels. She claims that nuclear power can be generated so cheaply that it more than pays for the safe disposal of the radioactive wastes produced by its generation. In addition, Walker contends that nuclear power is less expensive in the long run than electricity from fossil fuels because it generates none of the environmental costs that the combustion of oil, coal, and gas do. Formerly the assistant secretary for environment, safety, and health at the

U.S. Department of Energy under the Reagan Administration, Mary L. Walker works as an environmental lawyer. As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many cents per kilowatt-hour does nuclear generation cost compared with the cost of generating...