Nuclear Power: Safety First. Now.
The Fukushima disaster of 2011 showed us once again what can happen when a nuclear power plant's safety systems fail. The U.S. nuclear industry has responded with familiar reassurances that it can't happen here.
We know better. It can happen here—but it doesn't have to.
Safe? No. Safer? Yes.
Nuclear power is an inherently hazardous technology; there's no way to make it perfectly safe. But we can make it safer. UCS has released a list of safety and security recommendations for nuclear power plants in the U.S., outlining steps the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other government agencies can take to make a nuclear disaster less likely and reduce the damage if one does occur.
The NRC needs to begin taking these steps now—upgrade its safety and security standards, enforce all its rules, and become the tough, consistent regulator the public deserves.
You can help. Join our campaign, visit our citizen resource center, and add your voice to our call for safer, more secure, better regulated nuclear power in the United States.
Highlights
Nuclear Power Safety & Security Policy Resource Center
U.S. Nuclear Power Safety One Year After Fukushima
The NRC and Nuclear Power Plant Safety in 2011
UCS Nuclear Power Safety & Security Recommendations
Nuclear Power: Still Not Viable without Subsidies
All Things Nuclear Blog
If you'd like to keep up with what our nuclear experts are thinking on a wide range of technical and policy issues, visit our blog, All Things Nuclear.
Is UCS pro- or anti-nuclear power?
The answer is "neither." We have been a watchdog for 40 years, working for safer nuclear plants, better regulatory oversight, and smarter policy.
More about UCS' position on nuclear power 
Who pays for nuclear power?
If you're a U.S. taxpayer, the answer is: you do. UCS studies show that public subsidies have played a crucial role in keeping the nuclear industry afloat.
More about nuclear power costs
Nuclear power and terrorism
To a terrorist, a nuclear power plant is an inviting target. And some fuel facilities could be sources of weapon-making material. To minimize these risks, we need to make wise decisions about the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear plant security.
More about nuclear power and terrorism
Nuclear power technology
BWRs, PWRs, SMRs...our experts have put together some resources to help you navigate the alphabet soup. Find out how nuclear power plants work (and what happens when they don't).
More about nuclear power technology
The UCS Nuclear Tracker
Curious about your local reactor? The UCS Nuclear Power Information Tracker has key information on all U.S. nuclear reactors, from licensing dates to safety history.
Support Our Work
For decades, UCS has worked to educate policy makers and the public about nuclear power. UCS experts have testified before Congress, provided safety instruction to NRC staffers, and appeared on national television and radio programs to offer a scientifically grounded perspective that will help shape better policy. You can help support this work:
