Show ill m Beyond Conservation By Dr Ann C. C Birge Even with maximum energy energy ener gy conservation effort we will still need nuclear power As a nation we are going to have to face the need for stronger conservation measures measures mea mea- to stretch our energy re re- re- re sources We have to drive our cars less We have to insulate our homes better We have to otherwise learn to use energy wisely But even with these much needed conservation steps we must still go ahead and develop devel op both coal and nuclear energy energy ener gy sources We cannot do without either Only the greater use of coal and nuclear energy can help us stop burning up our oil With vital industries such as petrochemicals and plastics so dependent on oil for their existence our grandchildren and great grandchildren willbe willbe will willbe be very angry if weve we've burned up all the oil their generations genera will need Compared to fossil fuels nuclear power is cleaner cleaner it it does docs not pollute the air and air and cheaper It costs more to build a nuclear plant but since the fuel costs less nuclear power is still a net gain over fossil fuel plants What about other energy alternatives alternatives al al- al I am for exploring exploring ing them all but as a E 1 1 DR BIRGE is a physics professor at California State University Hayward Hay Hay- ward cist and researcher I know that it will be the year 2000 before before be be- fore we have a u full scale full scale commercial rom com mercial solar power plant on line That is not to discount the home heating solar plants already on the tho market So until we see tWO what the year 2000 brings nuclear power is buying us time time timeto to continue the basic research research research re re- re- re search that must be bo done in all 1111 fields Ids of energy I 1 dont don't think we can close the door on any anyone one source of energy We cant can't turn any option option op option op- op tion off |