McCain’s Nuclear Energy Plan May Cost $315 Billion

Via Red Green and Blue

John McCain wants to build 45 new nuclear power plants by the year 2030 in order to meet the country's growing energy needs.  According to a Bloomberg analysis, this plan may cost $315 billion, with taxpayers bearing much of the financial risk (potentially $100 billion due to the high default rate on nuclear construction projects).

The cost of constructing nuclear power plants (recently up to $5000 per kilowatt) is also high as compared to large wind farms ($1500-2000 per kW) and solar thermal plants (projected at $3000 per kW by 2015).

In comparison, Obama supports nuclear to some degree, but seems to put the most support on renewable energy whereas McCain seems to only support nuclear and increased oil drilling.

Personally, I far prefer Obama's plan.

There is a great story on comparing the voting of the two candidates on the environment.  It covers McCains, Obama and the VP candidates voting records as well.   Check it out at:

http://www.getwithgreen.com/2008/09/08/mccain-palin-or-obama-biden-what-happens-to-the-environment/

It's funny how much longer Obama and Biden's voting lists are than McCain's.  This is because McCain has made it a habit to miss votes on environmental legislation.  As discussed in the McCain wiki:

"Received a score of zero on the 2007 National Environmental Scorecard released by the League of Conservation Voters.  McCain was the only member of Congress to skip every single crucial environmental vote scored by the organization, posting a score lower than Members of Congress who were out for much of the year due to serious illnesses--and even lower than some who died during the term. By contrast, the average Member of Congress scored a 53 in 2007. McCain posts a lifetime score of only 24."

McCain talks a big game, but when it comes down to supporting and voting on environmental legislation like renewable energy funding, he doesn't walk the walk.  And Palin - she's just an environmentalist's worst nightmare.