Assignment

Turkey Point: More Questions Than Answers?

The Turkey Point nuclear power station was built in 1972 by Florida Power & Light Corporation on the shore of Biscayne Bay about 25 miles south of Downtown Miami. It is the largest electrical power generating station in Florida and the sixth largest in the United States. FPL has applied to the State of Florida's Public Service Commission and to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build two additional reactors on this site.

After reading your textbook's section on how electricity is generated by nuclear fission, read the following articles for backgrounding prior to participating in this Forum.

1. Explain how energy is generated from nuclear fission.

2. Watch the two videos explaining the pros and cons of nuclear energy.

Youtube Videos:

1. "3 Reasons Why Nuclear Energy Is Awesome! 3/3"
2. "3 Reasons Why Nuclear Energy Is Terrible! 2/3"

As a group answer discussion points below:

Explain reasons why we should ban nuclear energy as an energy source:

· What would replace the source of nuclear energy and what are the limitations/ barrier to making this other energy source a reality? Or, what are the problems with using more of other energy sources?

· Explain reasons why we should continue to use nuclear energy as an energy source: What government regulations need to be in place to continue to use nuclear energy? Who should pay for the hazardous waste? What should we do with the hazardous waste? How is technology involved in the decision to use nuclear energy?

Read the articles: FPL pollutes and loots at Turkey Point by George Cavros.

Article: FPL Wins Battle to Store Radioactive Waste Under Miami's Drinking Water Aquifer by JERRY IANNELLI.

1. Who should be responsible for cleaning up hazardous waste pollution? Why are we concerned about drinking water contamination?

2. What does your group think about storing waste in the Boulder Zone? Why are environmental groups opposed to this solution?

3. Besides nuclear energy, what are the other source of FPL's energy? Approximately what percent of each source is used to generate power?

Additional resources:

Articles:

1. FPL postpones Turkey Point nuclear expansion - for at least four years BY MARY ELLEN KLAS.

2. Turkey Point nuclear plant on way to expansion. But will it survive a changing industry? BY JENNY STALETOVICH.