Environment: The Struggle over Nuclear Power

Like an infantry platoon under an artillery bombardment, the power industry has spent most of the past year hunkered down in the trenches as its opponents pounded away with questions and criticism. But now, in a campaign that could well determine the future of nuclear power, pro-nuclear forces are on the offensive. Around the nation, power-company officials at press conferences and on podiums have been presenting figures to show that nuclear energy is more practical than other alternatives to oil. In Washington last week, a parade of executives, engineers and federal officials trooped before a joint congressional committee to rebut charges...