I recall going to see the movie in March 1979 the "China Syndrome." The movie did a fair job of intimidating me. Then, a couple weeks later the near accident at Three Mile Island occurred.

For years, the collective mind of the American public had been made up. But my mind eventually changed. After about five years of covering nuclear issues, I mellowed and came to realize that this energy source will ultimately play a bigger role not only in U.S. energy policy but also globally. It's largely because of the constant emphasis on global warming and energy independence -- issues that point to clean burning and abundant fuel sources.

Certainly, lots has to happen. Namely, there has to be a resolution as to where to store spent nuclear fuel and investors have to be given more reassurances. How will this happen? China plans on building several nuclear projects and assuming all goes well there, others will see that it is safe to participate as well.

None of this precludes the advancement of other alternative fuel forms. That includes green power and coal gasification. In the end, there will be room for all of them.