The breeder reactor and prudent energy planning

National energy policy must stress not only the elimination of wasteful energy consumption but also the development of domestic sources of supply to replace foreign sources. The US is fortunate to have a number of supply options, but no single alternative is adequate and all involve some technological, financial, environmental, or public-policy problems. The prospects for breeder reactor development are examined in this context by asking whether the US should continue to develop the fast-breeder reactor to meet energy needs, whether environmental and safety hazards warrant discontinuing the program, and whether continued development would add unacceptably to the risk of worldwide nuclear-weapon proliferation. The report concludes that construction and operation of a demonstration plant is in the country's best interest. 8 references