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Fukushima Response

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Protecting the Environment

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Clean-Air Benefits of Nuclear Energy

Climate Change Initiatives

Ecology

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Key Issues

Protecting the Environment

Nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. The industry’s commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Environmental Benefits and Issues

	Clean-Air Benefits of Nuclear Energy
	Nuclear power plants aid compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1970, which set standards to improve the nation's air quality. Using more nuclear energy gives states additional flexibility in complying with clean-air requirements.

	Clean Electricity for Transportation
	Research is under way to reduce air emissions from the transportation sector by developing electric vehicles that can run farther and longer between charges. Clean electricity from nuclear plants can make these vehicles truly "clean."

	Climate Change Initiatives
	Federal, state and local policymakers increasingly recognize nuclear energy's contribution to meeting growing electricity demand while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

	Ecology
	Nuclear energy has one of the lowest impacts on the environment of any energy source because it does not emit air pollution, isolates its waste from the environment and requires a relatively small amount of land.

	Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis
	Nuclear energy stations do not emit criteria pollutants or greenhouse gases when they generate electricity. The life-cycle emissions from nuclear energy are comparable to other non-emitting sources of electricity like wind, solar and hydropower.

	Sustainable Development
	Nuclear energy has a vital role to play in providing clean energy for sustainable economic development around the world.

	Water Use and Environmental Stewardship
	The large-scale generation of electricity and the large-scale production of usable water are interdependent. Water use is one of several interrelated environmental considerations that need to be analyzed together when considering electricity generation.