“Nothing Happens Until People Start Talking”

Is Nuclear Power Making a Comeback?

John Grossenbacher Director, Idaho National Laboratory Monday, June 4, 2007 11:45 am–1:15 pm The Grove Hotel, Boise

Building new nuclear power plants in the United States seemed unimaginable after Three Mile Island. For decades, growing energy demands were met by coal- and natural gas-fired facilities. However, skyrocketing fossil fuel costs and concerns about global warming have prompted renewed interest in nuclear power: In March, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued an Early Siting Permit for a plant in Illinois and is studying applications for three sites in the South.

Fundamental issues remain unresolved, however, such as disposal of radioactive waste and high and uncertain plant construction costs. A 1995 agreement prohibiting commercial spent fuel from entering Idaho and requiring stored nuclear waste to be removed stands in the way of proposed “GNEP” (Global Nuclear Energy Partnership) research and spent fuel reprocessing at or near Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Our speaker is at the epicenter of these issues and more.

Vice Admiral John Grossenbacher (Ret.), holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the U.S. Naval Academy, completed the management development program at Harvard University School of Business and earned a master's degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. As commander of the United States submarine fleet, he led the integration and consolidation of the nation’s Atlantic and Pacific submarine forces.

Forum Chair: Tom Killingsworth

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