I have seen nuclear power plants in several states and have often wondered how much of our energy comes from a controversial source. One of these plants stands out in my memory; Far out in the Arkansas countryside, surrounded by forested hills and a deep river, the instantly recognizable cooling tower caught my attention. I asked myself: why is nuclear energy so controversial? I must admit that the scene that day was idyllic. It wasn't at all how nuclear energy has traditionally been portrayed in movies or on TV. What I saw was a thriving, busy area just a stone's throw from the factory. I'm talking about boaters and skiers literally in the shadow of those cooling towers. During my research I discovered that I had some misconceptions about nuclear energy and that the industry could come back to life here in the United States. I learned that about 20% of our electricity comes from nuclear reactors. I have come to believe that nuclear should play an even bigger role in our energy mix alongside wind and other technologies; it is safer than ever and far cleaner than coal or natural gas. Even with the challenges of radioactive waste and high capital costs, nuclear has a place in U.S. energy production. Those who oppose nuclear energy will likely believe that it is unsafe. There have been exactly no deaths or serious injuries resulting from radiation exposure at a nuclear power plant anywhere in the United States. Sure, some of us may remember an incident simply called “Three Mile Island (TMI)” that happened in 1979, but it now seems to me to have been vastly overplayed. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the United States governing body that oversees all activities related to nuclear energy, i...... middle of document ...... Schulz, M., & Smith, B (2006). Nuclear energy: both sides. The Wilson Quarterly, 30(4), 59+. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from Opposed Viewpoints in Context. Richburg, K. B. (2011, March 16). There is ongoing speculation about the feasibility of nuclear energy. The Washington Post, A14. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.Sharpe,V. (2008). "Clean" nuclear energy?. Hastings Center Report, 38(4), p. 16-18. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from Opposed Viewpoints in Context.Wald, M. (2005, December 27). Scientists try to solve the nuclear problem with revamped old technology. The New York Times, Section F. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.Wald, M. (2009, September 24). US panel shifts focus to nuclear fuel reuse. The New York Times, Section A, p. 24. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.