Only 50 years ago, nuclear energy was an exotic, futuristic technology "the subject of experiments and the stuff of science fiction. .
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How things have changed. .
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Today, we Americans get more electricity from nuclear energy than from any other source, except coal. In many states, nuclear energy is the leading source of electricity. And because all the "lower 48" states are interconnected by power lines, the vast majority of Americans get some electricity from nuclear power plants. .
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That means nuclear energy helps you enjoy the convenience of your microwave, the comfort of your electric blanket, and the fun of your CD player "even if there isn't a plant near your home. .
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Do we get any other benefits from nuclear power plants? .
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You bet. .
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They provide an alternative to burning vast amounts of fossil fuels "making electricity production much easier on the environment. .
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They produce much of the electricity that fuels our economic growth. They power new industrial technologies that keep our economy growing and improve our global competitiveness. .
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They cut America's demand for imported oil by nearly 100 million barrels a year "reducing our dependence on foreign oil suppliers and cutting our trade deficit. .
The future looks even better. Advanced-design nuclear power plants are now being developed "quicker and less costly to build, better performing, and even safer than today's plants. These plants will supply our children's and grandchildren's electricity "while helping to protect their environment. .
Cheers For Energy Efficiency .
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We Americans should be proud of ourselves. Since the 1973 oil embargo, we've learned to use energy far more efficiently. .
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Since 1973, our population has soared from 211 million to more than 258 million, and our economy has grown about 50 percent. Yet our use of energy has grown only 10 percent. That's a major accomplishment. .
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What's behind this efficiency? For one thing, nuclear electricity.