The Potential New Nuke Plant in Butte: Good or Bad?

BUTTE, MT - What do you see on the horizons of Butte's future? Do you see a town that, against all odds, overcame its humanistic and blameless issues, returning to its powerhouse roots and becoming one of the economic leaders of Montana—perhaps carving a new historical path? Or do you see a town that remains with its current history, not really changing its identity, and remaining the small(ish), humble town its always been? No answer is right or wrong, and there is certainly no way to tell what the actual times to come will hold for our beloved town. But one company is insisting that it will bring bright new beginnings to Butte.

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In a report by NBC Montana, XGen—a holding company representing others' interests—is looking at Butte to relocate their nuclear power plant to from their Florida campus. The plant would supposedly spawn dozens of jobs, have a minimal impact on the environment, and "no risk" to Butte water. When they met with Butte local leaders last week, it seems to be getting support from authorities. If all were to go to plan, the company would be purchasing land within the next two to three months.

But what are the underlying implications of such an opportunity (or detriment, depending on who you ask)? What are the pros and cons for a nuclear power plant in Butte? Let's take a look:

Pros of a New Nuclear Power Plant in Butte:

1. Sustainable Energy: Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source, which can significantly help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. And who doesn't like sustainability?
2. Economic Boost: The construction and operation of a nuclear power plant can bring economic growth through job creation and increased local spending. They say the jobs created would be dozens out the gate, with dozens more to come as the plant reaches completion. Though Butte has a relatively low unemployment rate, the additional jobs would not only help decrease that number, but would also bring a sense of familiarity to the blue-collar roots of Butte.
3. Energy Reliability: Nuclear plants provide a stable source of energy that isn't as susceptible to the fluctuations and unpredictability associated with some renewable sources like solar and wind. Blackouts during harsh weather events would be reduced, and the energy itself would be "cleaner."

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Cons of a New Nuclear Power Plant in Butte:

1. Safety Concerns: Nuclear energy, while generally safe, carries the risk of catastrophic failures. The memory of incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl still raise public fear and safety concerns. In fact, this is probably the most consistent point I hear from nuclear power skeptics, and it's valid.
2. Environmental Risk: Besides the potential for major accidents, the issue of radioactive waste disposal remains a significant challenge. Plus, already coming from a place of high environmental damage with the Pit makes this critique hit pretty close to home.
3. High Costs: Building and maintaining a nuclear power plant requires a huge upfront investment and long-term financial commitments, which can be seen as a financial risk.
4. Future Implications: It may seem to be the best path forward: economic growth and growing exponentially as a town. But what are the implications of doing such? Would it be worth it if Butte became similar to Bozeman in terms of cost of living increases and housing booms? Transplants dominating the population? These are serious questions that many may see as daunting.

All in all, a Butte nuclear power plant seems to be a highly complex and no-right-answer situation. This is where our trust with leaders come into play.

What do you think Butte should do: welcome the plant, or snip it at its roots?