The Nation - News from Nov. 10, 1987

Nearly 50 consumer groups called for a rapid phase-out of nuclear power, saying the industry has vastly understated costs that amount to a “ball and chain” on the economy. The industry countered that its critics skewed the figures, and said any pullback from nuclear power could trigger recession and increased dependence on foreign oil. Public Citizen, the group founded by Ralph Nader, and related organizations in 30 states said in a report that it costs $15 billion to $21 billion per year to keep the nation’s 108 nuclear power plants operating, contrasted with the industry’s estimate of $8 billion.