Reactor ‘renaissance’ flies off another cliff (Calvert Cliffs)

[ensho]

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_6445.shtml


Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs nuke project is on the brink of cancellation. It’s potentially one of the most critical atomic failures in decades.

But financial markets love the nuke’s demise. The stock of its American partner -- Constellation Energy -- has soared with the apparent death of a project widely feared as a huge money-loser.

Just 40 miles south of the White House, George W. Bush hailed Calvert Cliffs in 2005 as the shining symbol of a “reactor renaissance.” In partnership with EDF, the French national utility, Constellation jumped high in the line for a share of the $18.5 billion Bush earmarked for federal loan guarantees to finance new reactors

(its more then 40 miles)

-snip-

Ironically, the nuclear industry set up the failure. A decade ago it fought to deregulate electric markets. In about two dozen states -- including Maryland -- it forced ratepayers to eat some $100 billion in “stranded” reactor costs in preparation for “free competition.”

-snip-

However it plays out, Constellation has dealt a body blow to the nuclear renaissance. According to the New York Times, Bush’s 2005 visit to Calvert Cliffs was the first by any president to a US reactor site in 30 years (except for Jimmy Carter’s harried trip to the control room of Three Mile Island during its 1979 meltdown).
-snip-
-----------------------------

good. I hated it when they built the thing. that was a beautiful part of the county.

now its a nuclear toxic dump - for ever

[Systematic Chaos]

1. And our atmosphere is pretty much a radioactive fossil fuel toxic dump -- FOR EVER.

What was your point again? :shrug:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

2. Growing up, I'd look down the shoreline and see that reactor stick out like a sore thumb.

On the one hand, Calvert Cliffs shuttering may have the effect of jobs in that area, including people that I might personally know. So it's a little sad in that respect.

But on the other hand, having a potential nuclear disaster just minutes from where I grew up never made me comfortable.

[ensho]

3. before it was built we would pack a lunch and boat over to one

of the many little beaches, groves along the cliff.

ah memories.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

4. Calvert native? nt

[ensho]

5. my parents had a place on Leason Cove and my sister's 1st husband

was a Bowen.

I was born in D.C., raised my kids near Upper Marlboro when it was a tiny town.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

6. Ah a Bowen.....

Bowen, Weems, Owings and a few other names are common throughout "the county."

Upper Marlboro sure has grown, even in my own lifetime. My high school graduation ceremonies were at the ShowPlace Arena that they built there.

Speaking of places that changed, Lusby--whree Leason Cove is located--is virtually unrecognizable from even a few years ago. You've got a whole host of new shopping centers and stores that have seemed to pop up over night. It looks like any other suburb these days.

[ensho]

9. I can't picture a large arena, amazing

nt

[TuxedoKat]

7. We did too!

We used to go over there for the day mostly near the lighthouse. I always liked to look for fossilized shark's teeth on the beach.

[ensho]

8. yes, my parents had a large jar for shark teeth

some were big. we all added to the jar.