storage area

abundant source

mountainous region

hidden supply

“After various states objected, Congress said to focus on just one site—Yucca Mountain in Nevada.”

“Studying them would take even more time and money.”

“The government was also supposed to review 10 possible disposal sites.”

“That’s because many things are unclear about geology, human error, and so on.”

Spent fuel is a source of much debate among scientists, who do not agree about the best place to store it while it is still radioactive.

Nuclear power plants are an important source of power, but they also produce radioactive waste that is dangerous to the environment.

Although nuclear energy remains an important source of power, scientists do not agree about the best way to store radioactive waste produced at nuclear power plants.

Nuclear power plants can provide power for many years by harnessing the heat produced as a result of nuclear fission.

The description of how states and individuals have objected to proposed sites.

The description of a 2013 court decision regarding the NRC and site reviews.

The explanation of how fission continues to add to the growing amount of waste.

The quote from an expert who says anticipating the future is difficult.

Kamps’ quote indicates that some people are uncomfortable with consequences of using nuclear power, and paragraphs 11–18 describe how government officials are divided over the issue of disposal.

Kamps’ quote suggests that nuclear power is dangerous, and paragraphs 11–18 provide details about the negative effects that radioactive waste could have on the environment.

Kamps’ quote indicates why finding the right disposal site is important, and paragraphs 11–18 explain the obstacles that have so far prevented the government from finding such a site.

Kamps’ quote shows that radioactive waste will have long-term effects on the planet, and paragraphs 11–18 confirm that such waste will be around much longer than anyone living today.

Fission starts the chain reaction that makes particles radioactive.

Uranium is the result of fission and radioactive elements combining.

The byproducts of fission are highly radioactive and dangerous.

Fission is dangerous to elements because it causes them to be radioactive.

To show how spent fuel is stored in the different states

To describe why scientists disagree about the future of nuclear power

To reveal places where nuclear fission is an important source of power

To explain the challenges related to storing radioactive waste

To provide examples of challenging ideas

To provide evidence that supports claims

To explain her own opinions

To demonstrate why things matter

To explain her own opinions

To exaggerate details for powerful effect

To demonstrate why things matter

To provide examples of challenging ideas.

To demonstrate why things matter

To exaggerate details for powerful effect

To explain her own opinions

To simplify complex concepts.

the pressurizer

the steam generator

the condenser

the reactor vessel

Sitting and Sitting

Splitting Atoms

Pools and Casks

Out with the Old

Nuclear energy is a reliable source of power.

Nuclear power plants have high fixed costs.

Radioactive waste can be safely stored in either pools or casks.

Steam converts fission-produced heat energy into electricity.

States have an equal risk of contamination by nuclear waste.

Illinois has produced more nuclear energy than any other state.

Most states are storing their spent fuel in casks rather than in pools.

Most American states are looking for new places to store spent fuel.