May 5, 2008

Since the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island, there have been ZERO new nuclear power plants built in the U.S.

But now that folks have finally figured out there's an energy crisis, are nuclear power plants about to start popping up in our backyards?

Not exactly, at least according to a recent ChangeWave survey of 473 energy industry professionals.

What's the big hold up to construction? Take a wild guess.

Yes, political resistance to nuclear energy is the key barrier holding up construction, according to almost one-in-two (44%) respondents - nearly three times the issues of nuclear waste disposal (16%) or cost (15%).

The politics of nuclear energy may be changing, however.

Several states have already allocated or are in the process of allocating funding for nuclear power projects. And the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it expects to see more than 20 new applications for nuclear plants over the next two years.

But if you're worried that you might soon find yourself in the shadow of a new nuclear plant - think again.

According to industry respondents, the first new U.S. nuclear facility won't start construction for another 4.2 years...