Recent events at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor are a reminder of the dangers associated with nuclear power. They also remind us of the primitive state of technology in the socialist countries.

Nuclear reactors in the United States are much safer than those in the former USSR because America's mixed economy has a more advanced technology. Nonetheless, private corporations have demanded protection from liability before investing in nuclear power plants.

The Price-Anderson Act limits the liability of companies or government agencies which operate nuclear reactors. The Act was passed in the 1950's in order to protect corporations and encourage them to develop "peaceful" nuclear power.

Most nuclear power plants are owned and operated by city governments or by regional projects jointly owned by several local governments. As taxpayers have seen the massive cost overruns generated by nuclear power projects, they have voted throughout the 1980's and to the present against approving any new reactors.

Local taxpayers in many cities are stuck with billions of dollars of bonded debt used to pay for building nuclear power plants.

Some conservatives look to nuclear power as a means of avoiding a future energy crisis. But it is really just another socialist boondoggle. If elected to Congress, I will vote against any federal subsidies for nuclear power; I will oppose Export-Import Bank underwriting which finances the sale of nuclear reactors to foreign governments; and I will push for abolition of the Federal Department of Energy.

For more information on nuclear power or the Libertarian Party, contact Renaissance Bookshop, 6639 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92516, or call (909) 369-8843.