Vol. 23, No. 1/2, Spring 1985 - "Energy"

NUCLEAR POWER AS A VIABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVE

(pp. 1 – 9)

William C. Rense

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Abstract

One legacy of the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 has been a general hesitance to support nuclear power as a legitimate energy source. Public distrust stemming from the accident, the "I - told - you - so" publicity from anti-nuclear groups, the escalating cost of nuclear power at a time of decreasing electric energy demand -- all of these factors plus others have served to diminish the image of the nuclear alternative. Such an attitude, however, may be premature and actually detrimental to the long-term energy needs of the United States. The purpose of this paper is not to defend the nuclear power industry, nor to claim that nuclear power generation has no unique or significant safety questions. Rather, the purpose of this paper is to argue that nuclear power generation retains certain favorable qualities because issues of safety and environmental impact are less serious than often believed. This is especially the case when the nuclear alternative is compared to coal, the dominant fuel for electric power generation.

THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR ENERGY IN THE CLASSROOM

(pp. 10 – 17)

Edwin K. Charles

Mechanicsburg Area School District

Abstract

In recent years man has become increasingly concerned and interested in the diminishing supply of energy forms in our environment. One of the energy forms often looked to as a remedy for our energy woes is nuclear power.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND LOCALIZATION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BITUMINOUS COAL INDUSTRY

(pp. 18 – 21)

E. Willard Miller

The Pennsylvania State University

State College, Pennsylvania

Abstract

The production of coal in the United States has been affected by many factors. Until the late 1960's economic forces were most influential. Since then, the passage of federal regulations has become increasingly important. For the Pennsylvania bituminous coal industry, the Clean Air Act of 1971, and as amended in 1977 and the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 have had an important affect on the production and localization of the industry.

THE MASON-DIXON FARM: ENERGY AND AGRICULTURAL EFFICIENCY USING ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

(pp. 22 - 29)

Denise A. Dellinger

Dickinson College

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

John E. Benhart

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Since the advent of the 1980's, public awareness in energy has intensified. After the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Middletown, Pennsylvania, in March, 1978, the search for alternate and safe methods of energy generation has increased. Also, the general public has become increasingly more concerned with the issue of pollution, both atmospheric and terrestrial, as well as the issue of the disposal of hazardous waste.