Nuclear Energy "Down Under"

Last week, Australian MP and erstwhile rock star Peter Garrett, once a reliable opponent of nuclear energy, admitted it might be time to reconsider his position in light of the threat posed by global warming. From the Sydney Morning Herald:

There should be also be a debate about the pros and cons of nuclear energy, the former rock singer and head of the Australian Conservation Foundation said, though he remained unconvinced it was a safe alternative …

"I’m not a technical expert on these issues, merely saying we should examine and consider the options closely,” Mr Garrett said.

The debate is joined. Click here, and here for local reaction.

Elsewhere, Helen Caldicott has a piece in today's edition of The Australian where she makes some familiar claims about nuclear energy -- ones that were debunked by NEI Vice President for Communications, Scott Peterson a few weeks back in the pages of the Toledo Blade.

And in case you missed it, BHP Billiton got provisional approval for its proposed purchase WMC Resources, the owner of the Olympic Dam mine.

For some previous posts on nuclear energy in Australia, click here and here.

Technorati tags: Environment, Energy, Politics, Technology, Economics