{"id":453,"date":"2025-08-19T19:32:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T19:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sleepystork.com\/?p=453"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:58:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T10:58:16","slug":"opponents-to-a-small-nuclear-reactor-at-dia-are-as-foolhardy-as-climate-deniers-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sleepystork.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/19\/opponents-to-a-small-nuclear-reactor-at-dia-are-as-foolhardy-as-climate-deniers-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Opponents to a small nuclear reactor at DIA are as foolhardy as climate deniers (Opinion)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fear mongering stopped leaders from considering carbon-free power innovation this week. Rightwing climate deniers strike again? Nope.<\/p>\n

Agitation from the left<\/a> prompted Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington to shelve a plan to study building a small modular nuclear reactor to meet the airport\u2019s growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

These city leaders foresee a time when 120 million passengers<\/a> will pass through the airport\u2019s gates each year and the air hub will need more reliable power. Keeping the lights on in the control tower isn\u2019t optional. The study should proceed. Fear should not stop leaders from simply knowing more which is what a feasibility study provides.<\/p>\n

SMRs (small modular nuclear reactors), which represent the newest breakthrough in nuclear technology, are worth considering. They are smaller and less expensive than traditional reactors and can be prefabricated, transported, and assembled on-site. As with the 54 traditional nuclear power plants around the country, SMRs produce reliable, safe, carbon-free energy. Unlike wind and solar power, which also do not emit carbon dioxide, nuclear reactors produce power continuously regardless of time of day or weather conditions.<\/p>\n

Would I live next to a nuclear reactor? Of course. Men and women spend years 500 feet away from a nuclear reactor without ill effect and these submariners aren\u2019t the only ones. More than 120 million Americans live within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant.<\/p>\n

When Colorado closes the last of its coal plants in 2031, additional clean energy sources capable of supplying baseload power will need to be in place. Wind and solar, even with battery storage, will not be sufficient. Nuclear power and natural gas are the two options. Right now, nearly a third of the state\u2019s power is supplied by natural gas. This fossil fuel emits less greenhouse gas than coal or petroleum but it will not ultimately enable the state to reach its goal of achieving 100% clean energy.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation to add nuclear power to the list of clean energy sources utilities can use to meet state carbon reduction goals, a sign that a bipartisan consensus has emerged supporting nuclear technology.<\/p>\n