The northern half of New Jersey is one of the most urbanized areas of the US, but the open spaces around the pine barrens and shorelines of the southern part of the state is occupied by four nuclear reactors. Nuclear power generates almost half of New Jersey’s electricity whereas natural gas and coal account for as much as 60% and 2% of total electricity produced respectively. The popularity of nuclear energy stems from the fact that no greenhouse gases are produced using this technology. New reactors have been in the planning stages for 15 states in the US including New Jersey. With fossil fuels running out rapidly, do you support or oppose the use of nuclear energy as a primary energy source? Support your answer with appropriate references. A thorough essay may include the following:

• An explanation of safety, financial, regulatory and environmental/ waste disposal and any other issues you feel the need to discuss to support your position.
• Will it be able to diminish our reliance on petroleum fossil fuels completely?
• Provide facts and statistics where possible.
• What do other scientists have to say about the use of nuclear energy in the future. Provide references to their articles.