“All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.”
Explanation
This quote illustrates Ronald Reagan’s effort to defend and promote nuclear energy by minimizing concerns about nuclear waste. By saying it can “be stored under a desk,” he dramatically underscores the small physical volume of nuclear waste compared to its massive energy output, suggesting that fears about its environmental impact are often exaggerated. The underlying message is that nuclear power is not only efficient but also manageable, especially in contrast to the pollution generated by fossil fuels.
The quote came during a time when energy policy was a contentious issue, particularly in the wake of the 1979 Three Mile Island incident, which had significantly shaken public confidence in nuclear energy. Reagan, favoring energy independence and economic growth, sought to restore trust in nuclear power as a clean and potent alternative to oil and coal. His administration supported efforts to expand nuclear energy infrastructure while downplaying regulatory fears that he believed hindered innovation.
Today, this quote continues to spark debate amid growing concerns over climate change and sustainable energy sources. Proponents of nuclear power cite it as a low-carbon solution capable of meeting large-scale energy needs, often referencing Reagan’s framing to argue that technological management of nuclear waste is feasible and safe. Critics, however, highlight long-term storage, security, and environmental risks. Still, Reagan’s point remains central in energy discussions: when compared to the scale of its output, nuclear waste is surprisingly compact—raising questions about whether perception or reality holds back its wider use.
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