Solyndra, and its possible impacts on nuclear

November 29, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeJim Hopf

I'm sure everyone has heard all about the Solyndra "scandal" by now. There have been too many news stories to count on this subject (no need to provide links). So, instead of delving into the details, or giving a blow by blow account of all the events and the hearings in Congress, I will focus on the impacts this whole affair may have on government support for nuclear, and for clean energy in general.

Gas and Nuclear: A Comparison of Two Local Plants

November 23, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeMeredith Angwin

Many recent speeches (and blog posts) have compared nuclear and gas as sources of electricity generation for our future.  In this post, I will bring the comparisons closer to home, describing some of the similarities and differences between the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, Vt., and the Granite Ridge Combined Cycle power plant near Manchester, N.H. Which technology is the future: gas or nuclear? Or are they both the future?

ANS Students and Young Professionals Visit Capitol Hill

November 22, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeLenka Kollar

During the American Nuclear Society's 2011 Winter Meeting in November, about 90 ANS members visited lawmakers to promote nuclear energy and technology as part of the ANS/Young Professionals Congress visit to Capitol Hill. As a student at Purdue University, which is located in Indiana, I met with legislative assistants from the offices of Indiana senators Richard Lugar (R.) and Dan Coats (R.) and Congressman Todd Rokita (R.).

Young nuclear professionals visit Capitol Hill

November 21, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear Cafe

One of the most exciting and important events at the American Nuclear Society's Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, this year was the "Capitol Hill Day" visit held on November 4.  This event allowed society members the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill to meet with congress persons and staffs, and to offer unique expertise as the world's foremost experts in nuclear technologies.

Nuclear Power: How a Nuclear Power Plant Really Works!

November 10, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeSuzy Hobbs Baker

I originally wrote this post as a book review, but after three or four edits, I realized that I couldn't mask my biased opinion about the new children's book, Nuclear Power: How a Nuclear Power Plant Really Works! Simply put, I adore this book, as well as author Amelia Frahm, and have something of an emotional stake in its success. So, I decided it would be better to just share the reasons I love this book without trying to hide my enthusiasm.

Nationwide test of emergency alert system to occur November 9

November 7, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear Cafe

As part of ongoing efforts to keep the United States and U.S. communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring that the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9, at 2 p.m. eastern.

Two members named ANS Fellows

November 6, 2011, 6:00AMANS Nuclear Cafe

Two members of the American Nuclear Society were named ANS Fellows on November 1 at the ANS Annual Winter Meeting and Nuclear Technology Expo. These awards were presented by ANS President Eric Loewen in recognition of the Fellows' significant contributions and achievements to nuclear science and technology.

Earthquake and tsunami signature banner

November 2, 2011, 3:00PMANS Nuclear Cafe

American Nuclear Society President Eric Loewen and ANS Vice-President/President-Elect Michael Corradini were on the Times Square Jumbotron in New York City with a banner signed by ANS members at the 2011 winter meeting. The banner expresses the support and encouragement of the ANS membership for the people of Japan as they continue to rebuild after Japan's earthquake and tsunami. Flanking the ANS officers are Loewen's son and daughter, Hans and Zatha.