U.S. rethinks nuclear power

MCLEAN, Va., April 2 (UPI) -- After years of fear, Americans are warming to the idea of nuclear power in the United States, and the industry and government are responding.

Several utilities are planning to build eight new reactors by 2020, the first new plants since the 1979 Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania, USA Today reports.

Southern Co. will begin work this June in Vogtle, Ga., on two reactors. Also, five companies have signed contracts with nuclear equipment vendors, and Florida and South Carolina residents are already paying utility fees to finance future reactors.

"The resurgence of nuclear energy is underway," said Steve Kerekes, a spokesman for the Nuclear Energy Institute.

But nuclear plants are still expensive, and dealing with waste is still a problem.

Coming up with financing has also been challenging, particularly in the last year during the economic downturn.

Finding skilled workers and enough parts is another challenge, as well as getting approval. While more reactors might be gaining approval, the federal permitting process can take up to four years.