Nuclear Power Plant Controversy
Controversy Over the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Antwerp
Two years ago, The Flemish Parliament voted on legislation to build the nation's first nuclear power station, in the Flemish capital. The results of the vote were 117-for and 83-against. After many months of construction, the nuclear power plant in Antwerp has been completed, but there is still a huge amount of disagreement over whether the new power plant will help or hurt to people of Flanders.
The Liberal Socialists and The Moderate Party agree the power plant will benefit the people, partially because it produces no CO2 and releases no pollutants into the air, thus reducing the country's carbon dioxideemissions and improving air quality in the surrounding suburbs. Also, despite the high costs of the construction and operation of the power station, it will actually save the government money in the long run because exchanging the two coal power stations for one nuclear power station will free up more coal to be exported and more land for commercial buildings. Most Flemings also agree with the Liberal Socialist and Moderate parties. According to a poll conducted by scientists at The University of Antwerp, 81% of Flemings think that the construction of the nuclear power station a good thing for the people of Flanders.
Meanwhile, The Conservative Party thinks the nuclear power plant is a terrible thing for Antwerp and Flanders. The Conservatives think that global warming doesn't exist and that Flanders should use more coal to power it's cities. They also deny that sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter emitted from coal-fired power stations has any negative effect on human health. Secondly, they think that replacing the coal power plants with the nuclear power plant took away jobs, despite the fact the the nuclear power plant has 110 workers, while each of the two coal plants only had 40 workers.
Interestingly, The Green Party is actually divided on the issue. Some Green Party members think that the nuclear power station is great because it will lead to fewer carbon dioxideemissions and better air quality, but others think that the nuclear power station is terrible for the welfare of the Flemish people because the nuclear wastes that is produces could cause significant damage to the environment if they are not handled properly.
New nuclear power station outside of Antwerp
Article by: James Wilson, Damiaan Albers, and Margreet Koeman
Published June 3rd, 1988 Orbis Time
Republic of Flanders News Network - 41 Leopoldstraat Antwerp, Flanders
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