Is nuclear energy good? A new book explores this complex question

A glowing radioactive rat and a three-eyed fish named "Blinky" may seem like scenes from a dystopian nightmare, but they're actually from a 1990 episode of The Simpsons. These exaggerated depictions reflect real public concerns about nuclear energy, as journalist Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow explores in her new book "Atomic Dreams."

Tuhus-Dubrow takes readers on a tour of California's Diablo Canyon Power Plant, where stringent safety measures are in place. She delves into the complex debate surrounding nuclear power, weighing its benefits as a stable, low-emission energy source against concerns about accidents, waste storage, and high costs.

The author introduces us to colorful characters on both sides of the issue, from surfing grandmothers worried about nearby waste storage to "nuclear influencers" advocating for the technology. Ultimately, Tuhus-Dubrow broadens the question from nuclear energy's merits to society's overall energy consumption, noting one source's observation: "I don't see anybody getting a smaller phone, a smaller TV."