Nuclear Plant Breaks Ground in NM

You would think there would be a bit more national coverage about the first new nuclear power plant being constructed in over 30 years. But at least from what I have gleaned, there isn't. And is there a big backlash? I guess not. Actually, New Mexico's congressional delegation finds it just peachy:

"I have been talking over the last several years about the coming of the nuclear renaissance in commercial nuclear energy in America," said Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., long a supporter of nuclear power. "I am delighted and proud that the renaissance is in New Mexico."

From the press reports on the ground breaking ceremony, it sounded like a lot of backslapping and congratulationing happened- and not much else. Domenici even said, "the plant could provide, one day, the fuel to run schools in Asia, hospitals in Brazil. This plant will make the world a better place to live in a very real sense of the word." Though he did not say how or when that technology will be feasible, let alone safe.

I find it particularly scary that this is the first nuclear facility to be licensed since the 70's. I just wish there was a more critical look at this massive (over a billion dollars) project before it gets started.

New Mexico Nuclear facility