New Japan PM targets nuclear power

[kristopher]

New Japan PM targets nuclear power
September 03, 2011|New York Times

TOKYO - Japan’s new prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, promised yesterday to keep Japan on its path of phasing out nuclear power, saying it was “unrealistic’’ to build any reactors in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis or extend those at the end of their life spans.

In his first speech to the nation as prime minister, Noda, Japan’s former finance minister and a fiscal conservative, also said Japan would seek to rebuild its tattered finances even as it funds reconstruction following the country’s devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident in March.

“Speeding up the recovery and reconstruction process is our biggest mission. We must also work to bring the nuclear crisis to an end as swiftly as possible,’’ Noda said. “But our finances are also on the brink. We must strike a balance between economic growth and fiscal discipline.’’

The government would seek to cut wasteful spending in other areas to squeeze out extra funds, Noda said.

Noda...

http://articles.boston.com/2011-09-03/news/30110412_1_nuclear-power-fukushima-nuclear-crisis

[proverbialwisdom]

1. That's huge. I'd read he held different views.

Could've been at Bloomberg News after his election or maybe at ex-skf.blogspot.com .

I'm glad to hear he respects public opinion.

[plumbob]

2. Someone with sense.

Thank you.

[madokie]

3. I'm happy to read this

“unrealistic’’ to build any reactors in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis or extend those at the end of their life spans.
Nuclear just takes money and resources away from the real problem and that is finding a safe and sustainable way to provide our electrical power. Nuclear was never safe nor a cheap way to power our electrical generators. If it wasn't for our government early on pushing for more and more nuclear plants so they could harvest the ingredients to make bombs with we wouldn't be using it at all. On its own nuclear energy isn't feasible to use.

rec

[kristopher]

4. Outgoing PM Kan's farewell press conference (CSPAN Video at link)

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan gave his farewell address and took press questions at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo. He defended his handling of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant disaster in March 2011, but admitted he was unable to communicate to the nation effectively.

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Naoto