Mini Poll: Callaway, Fukushima, And Energy Generation
Following a massive earthquake earlier this month that rocked Japan and created tsunamis throughout the Pacific region, the Japanese government and international agencies announced a nuclear emergency after a cooling system malfunction at Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Plant, about 155 miles from Tokyo. A subsequent series of failures, malfunctions, and engineering challenges followed, causing ever greater and more widespread concern. The emperor of Japan made a rare television address to express concern and urge calm. The events at Fukushima have, predictably, triggered discussion well beyond Japan about the safety of nuclear power plants, the challenge of producing safe and affordable energy, and the competence of plant operators, government regulators, and disaster planners.
Officials at Ameren Missouri responded quickly to concerns about the nuclear plant it operates in Callaway County, 100 miles west of St. Louis, noting that the plant is newer than the Fukushima facility, has fewer reactors, more safety features, and sits on a site at which a major earthquake is extremely unlikely. Nevertheless, the Missouri plant (and a proposed second plant and the continuing issue of the safety of spent fuel rods) quickly drew comments from some opponents groups, including the local chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.
This week’s poll asks you to share some of your opinions about nuclear power in general and energy generated by a nuclear power plant here in Missouri.
As usual, you may supplement your votes by sending extended comments via email. This poll is meant to spark civic (and civil) conversation, and it does not pretend to measure or predict public opinion with any accuracy.
Take the poll here: https://mayorslay.com/polls/20110324energy.php
