Advertisement
Obama believes nuclear power should be an option, but only if key issues such as security and disposal of waste can be adequately addressed.
The Democratic senator is not as gung-ho on nuclear power as his opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain. McCain wants to build 45 new nuclear plants by 2030.
Doyle said today in a conference call organized by the Obama campaign that he agrees with Obama that nuclear power should be considered. Actively endorsing the consideration of nuclear power is a change for Doyle, who previously emphasized his position that the first new plant in the country won't be built in Wisconsin.
Doyle said he still believes that to be true, but like Obama he thinks nuclear power should be part of a broad array of options that increase renewable energy sources, decrease reliance on foreign oil and create new jobs.
Doyle spoke out about nuclear power Wednesday, saying he backs his global warming task force's recommendation that utilities be allowed to propose new nuclear power plants under certain conditions. The task force says the plants should be built at a reasonable cost and help meet emission goals.
Both presidential candidates focused on energy in campaign stops across the country this week.
McCain has criticized Obama as out of touch in failing to embracing nuclear power. Wisconsin Republicans, meanwhile, have heralded Doyle's stance, saying he has changed his position.
Doyle said today he has always supported studying nuclear power. But he never supported bills in the Legislature that would have allowed plants to be built. And, when he created the office of energy independence in 2006, he did not list nuclear energy as an option to be explored.
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, said he was "greatly encouraged" by Doyle's recent comments and would work to get a bill passed to do away with the state's moratorium on nuclear plant construction.
Supporters of nuclear power say it can serve as an alternative and combat global warming. Opponents take positions similar to Obama, arguing that other alternatives should be pursued instead. They also are concerned about disposal of the plants' waste.
Obama's energy plan emphasizes incentives for conservation and development of alternative energy sources and opposes expanded offshore oil drilling. Along with building more nuclear power plants, McCain would end a blanket moratorium on drilling for oil in 85 percent of the country's coastal waters.
