Iowans do not want another nuclear reactor

Regarding the May 15 article, “MidAmerican considers steps for nuke plant,” about MidAmerican Energy reviewing its options now that the Iowa Legislature has not acted on HF561 (to smooth the way for the utility company to build a new nuclear power plant in Iowa and have ratepayers fund it in advance of completion):

Not only does Iowa not need a new nuclear reactor, 77 percent of Iowans polled have been clear that they don't want another nuclear reactor! With more sanity than greed in the driver seat, Iowans can see it is foolish to put at risk some of the most valuable cropland in America.

But moreover, HF561 is simply unnecessary. If MidAmerican wants to build a new power plant, nothing in Iowa code stands in its way, as long as the company pays for it, like most small and mid-size businesses have to do. We should not be subsidizing nuclear power at the expense of developing a smart grid, distributed generation for real energy independence, and the research and development to store solar and wind energy. That's the real future for sustainable energy that's inexpensive and non-toxic to us and the earth.

Marybeth Gardam

Cedar Rapids