March 01, 2013

The Hidden Costs of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power has been around for more than fifty years. But some critics are saying it’s still not economically viable without big help from US Taxpayers. Then, race relations – still a touchy and controversial topic. We’ll talk to a black author who has some provocative thoughts on where we stand as a nation.

Episode Segments:

InfoTrak: The True Cost of Nuclear Energy Nuclear power provides 20% of the nation’s electricity, but the Union of Concerned Scientists recently issued a report outlining the massive amount of subsides that mask its true costs. Ellen Vancko, Nuclear Energy & Climate Change Project Manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists explained how these subsidies are often overlooked by politicians and taxpayers. She talked about subsidies provided to other forms of energy. She also discussed renewable energy sources that could eventually be less expensive than nuclear.
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InfoTrak: The State of Race Relations in the USA Erik Rush, online columnist and writer, author of Negrophilia said that the U.S. has made more progress in race relations than many will admit. He believes that race is too frequently used as a tool for political and financial purposes and that this often prevents honest conversation on the topic. He discussed the role of poverty and family in minority communities, and offered suggestions on ways to improve racial dialogue.
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InfoTrak: The Rural Internet Gap In rural America, only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service, according to the Department of Commerce, 10 percent less than urban households. Brian Depew, assistant director of the Center for Rural Affairs. talked about the difficulty of getting high-speed Internet service in many rural areas. He explained why this results in an economic and educational handicap. He explained how government action can help.
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Links to Related Websites:

Negrophilia: From Slave Block To Pedestal - America's Racial Obsession Negrophilia studies the undue and inordinate affinity for blacks (as opposed to antipathy toward them) that has been promoted by activists, politicians and the establishment press for the past 40 years and which has fostered an erroneous perception of blacks, particularly in America. The book dissects the dynamic of race relations and race politics with an emphasis on same since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, how these are likely to develop given a Barack Obama presidency, and how conscientious Americans may discern the deeper truths of these matters and thus develop healthier perceptions.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Ellen Vancko Ellen Vancko is Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Project Manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, DC, where she manages UCS research and policy analysis concerning the viability of nuclear power as a potential climate solution. Ms. Vancko also serves as UCS' senior advisor on federal and state policies concerning electricity markets, transmission system planning and operations, the integration of renewable energy into the electric system, energy conservation, demand management, and smart grid. Ms. Vancko has more than 25 years of experience as an energy policy professional with expertise in energy policy analysis, government relations, communications, media relations, stakeholder relations, coalition building, and technical analysis for industry and non-profit organizations at the state, federal and international levels. Prior to coming to UCS, she was director of communications and government affairs for the North American Electric Reliability Council, directed policy analysis for Allegheny Energy and the Edison Electric Institute, and served as an energy consultant on a range of energy issues. She holds a B.A. in political science from the George Washington University and an M.S. in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania. The Union of Concerned Scientists

Erik Rush Erik Rush is a New York-born columnist, author and speaker. Erik writes sociopolitical commentary for WorldNetDaily, The Daily Pledge, and other online and print publications. His latest book, “Negrophilia: From Slave Block to Pedestal ~ America’s Racial Obsession,” examines the racist policies by which the political left keeps black Americans in thralldom, white Americans guilt-ridden and yielding, and maintains the fallacy that America remains an institutionally racist nation. In February of 2007, Erik was the first to break the story of President (then Senator) Barack Obama’s ties to militant Chicago preacher Rev. Jeremiah Wright on a national level. Erik has appeared on FoxNews, CNN, and is a veteran of numerous radio appearances. Erik Rush was born in New York City on January 1, 1961, the first child of a white father and black mother. For many years his family lived in the same neighborhood as Betty Shabazz (Malcolm X’s widow) and her children. His mother also founded a prominent African dance and drum troupe in New York; thus, Erik grew up keenly aware of the unfolding cultural issues of the day. From 1975 to 1985, Erik worked as a studio, club, and stage musician and in biomedical research. In 1986, he relocated to Colorado and became a Christian in 1989. In 1996, one of his short stories won a Chrysalis first place award for short fiction; in 2002 his novel, “The Angels Fell,” was released. Having been cognizant of sociopolitical issues since his youth, as he wrote, Erik began to lean toward expression of his beliefs concerning the mind- and spirit-stultifying developments and conventions that he saw in America. Erik has studied various Eastern philosophies, martial arts, politics, military history and business. He enjoys family time, playing music, and refinishing guitars. In addition to biomedical research, he has worked in marketing and media production. Eric's Website