Over at DMI Blog, former New York Governor Mario Cuomo has been writing a series of posts on new priorities for progressive politicians. Today, he turned to his suggestions for strengthening the economy, including his ideas for energy policy.
In the nuclear energy business, Cuomo is best known for leading the opposition to the opening of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant on Long Island -- a plant that was complete and ready to begin providing reliable, emission-free electricity to a region that has traditionally paid some of the highest utility rates in the nation.
Which is why the following words come as something of a surprise:
I'll be watching for more from the former Governor in this area. Please recall that his son, Andrew, is currently serving as Attorney General for the State of New York.
In the nuclear energy business, Cuomo is best known for leading the opposition to the opening of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant on Long Island -- a plant that was complete and ready to begin providing reliable, emission-free electricity to a region that has traditionally paid some of the highest utility rates in the nation.
Which is why the following words come as something of a surprise:
We should also take a fresh look at nuclear energy that uses uranium, a fuel that is available, less expensive and a good replacement for fossil fuels that produce dangerous carbon dioxide emissions. Until now nuclear energy in the United States has been discouraged because the construction technology has been imperfect, siting has been done carelessly and there is not yet a safe and convenient way to dispose of nuclear wastes. If we can find a way to travel to the moon and back we can solve all these technological problems as well, especially since it’s clear that France has been doing it for many years.While Cuomo straddles on enough points here to cover his previous opposition to Shoreham, the statement as a whole -- which seems to include an endorsement of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) or something like it -- is something of a revelation.
Ultimately the use of nuclear power for energy instead of destructiveness should be a vital part of our non-proliferation strategy with Iran, North Korea and other nations.
I'll be watching for more from the former Governor in this area. Please recall that his son, Andrew, is currently serving as Attorney General for the State of New York.
Comments
Yes, I am very surprised at Mario's words. Maybe the Dems will turn around. But when I look at Andy Cuomo, Hillary Clinton, Elliot Spitzer and all the rest, I don't see any turn around in attitude.
He bought Shoreham for $1 and passed the $ billions of cost to future generations of New Yorkers to gain the political support of Long Island soccer moms, and to pay off his lawyer cronies. That was after the mob made their $ millions in concrete sales and kick-backs from the trade unions who built the plant.
I feel qualified to judge Cuomo: I lived in NY during the demise of Shoreham, and was subject to more than 20 years of the heavy tax burden that state is famous for.
I will never be able to believe anything that comes out of Mario Cuomo’s mouth, much less an apparent change of tune when it comes to nuclear energy.