Science/Technology JAMES H. KRIEGER,Technology Editor
LMFBR: Another national debate?
Recently a group of scientists— the Scientists' Institute for Public Information (SIPI)— filed suit against the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (C&EN, May 31, page 8). It seeks to have the court direct the commission to provide detailed information on the environmental impact of the liquid-metal-cooled fast-breeder reactor (LMFBR) program and possible alternatives to it. Since there has recently been an increasingly strong demand for speedup of the program, it seems not unlikely that another national debate over technology is starting. Whether or not to speed up development of the LMFBR is certainly a valid topic for debate. And considering the past lack of national discussion over most technological matters and their secondary impacts, it is also highly welcome. We do hope, however, that if a debate is beginning, it reaches the level of quality the subject deserves. The most recent national debate—over the SST— is not a laudable precedent. SIPI, in its suit, did not make any connection between the LMFBR and SST, but press reports of a news conference held by SIPI made casual reference to the SST. It would thus seem that there is at least some temptation to draw a comparison between the two, the implication being that the LMFBR, like the SST, is not worthy of support— and for the same reasons. One major distinction between the two lies in their purposes. An incremental gain in speed of travel over the ocean for a few people hardly seemed to be a national need in its own right, with claims on massive government financial support. However, an adequate supply of
energy with minimum adverse environmental impact is a broad, basic national need. And to the extent of the LMFBR's importance in meeting that need, it does have a legitimate claim. The LMFBR should be debated on its merits in relation to that need. Seldom did the SST debate center on the desirability of an SST for its own sake. Too often, advocates built their cases on patriotism or balance of trade or presumed profits to the Government. It could also be said that opponents too often argued a priori that no adequate safeguards against potential environmental hazards could or would be developed. There will be a growing need for energy in the U.S. in the years ahead. Even if per capita consumption of energy by the average middle-income person were not to grow, as it has in the past, total energy demand will still increase. It will be some time before population growth levels off, even with a zero growth rate. And if the U.S. makes any progress in achieving the social commitment of a decent standard of living for all, there will be a steady growth in the number of persons achieving "average consumption" status. Among its other concerns, SIPI feels that the size of the LMFBR development program would provide so much momentum that the program couldn't be stopped regardless of ultimate environmental consequences. Certainly this should not be allowed. But on the assumption that the program will include development of adequate safeguards against potential public and environmental hazards, we feel that arguments advanced to date weigh heavily in favor of a speedup of the program.
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JUNE 7, 1971 C&EN 33
