Nuclear Power Joint Fact-Finding Dialogue

The need for more baseload electricity generation, coupled with concerns about climate change and the high prices of energy, have prompted discussions about the possibility of expanding the role of nuclear power in the U.S. and abroad. However, serious concerns remain about waste disposal, safety and security, proliferation risks, and cost. Before debating what role, if any, nuclear power should play in the future, stakeholders on all sides of the issue need to reach a common understanding about the state of the technologies and the costs, benefits, and risks. In March 2006, prompted by a letter from six environmental organizations and interviews with approximately 30 stakeholders across the country, The Keystone Center launched a Joint Fact-Finding Dialogue on Nuclear Power.

What is Joint Fact-Finding?

With funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the National Commission on Energy Policy, and nuclear industry representatives, we brought together a cross-section of interests—environmental and consumer advocates, nuclear industry representatives, academics, and state and federal government officials—to find trusted experts and information sources to help answer questions and build a common base of knowledge about nuclear power, its costs, benefits, and risks. The 27 invited participants worked together to develop and answer important questions that can serve as a foundation for a constructive future dialogue about balancing the risks and benefits of nuclear power and alternative technologies in addressing climate change. The final report was released June 14, 2007.

• Executive Summary from the Nuclear Power Joint Fact-Finding Final Report, June 2007
• Full Final Report, Nuclear Power Joint Fact-Finding, June 2007 (Corrections on page 71, 78, 105; 11/15/07)
• Press Release: Major Findings Reached in The Keystone Center Nuclear Power Joint Fact-Finding.
• Listen to a National Public Radio story featuring this project and the broader question of the risks and benefits of nuclear power in light of increasing global warming.

For more information, please contact Jeremy Kranowitz.