radioactive waste, including spent fuel from
nuclear powerplants. It also establishes fees
for owners and generators of radioactive
waste and spent fuel, who pay the costs of
the program.
1983
Nuclear power generates more electricity
than natural gas.
1984
The atom overtakes hydropower to become
the second largest source of electricity, after coal.
Eighty-three nuclear power reactors provide
about 14 percent of the electricity produced in the
United States.
1985
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
forms a national academy to accredit every
nuclear powerplant's training program.
1986
The Perry Power Plant in Ohio becomes the
100th U.S. nuclear powerplant in operation.
1986
April 26. Operator error causes two explo-
sions at the Chernobyl No. 4 nuclear powerplant
in the former Soviet Union. The reactor has an
inadequate containment building, and large
amounts of radiation escape. A plant of such
design would not be licensed in the United States.
1987 December 22. The Nuclear Waste
Policy Act (NWPA) is amended. Congress directs
DOE to study only the potential of the Yucca
Mountain, Nevada, site for disposal of high-level
radioactive waste.
1988
U.S. electricity demand is 50 percent higher
than in 1973.
1989
One hundred and nine nuclear powerplants
provide 19 percent of the electricity used in the
U.S.; 46 units have entered service during the
decade.
1977 August 4
. President Carter signs the
Department of Energy Organization Act,
which transfers ERDA functions to the new
Department of Energy (DOE).
1977 October 1
. DOE begins operations.
1979 March 28
. The worst accident in U.S.
commercial reactor history occurs at the
Three Mile Island nuclear power station near
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The accident is
caused by a loss of coolant from the reactor
core due to a combination of mechanical
malfunction and human error. No one is
injured, and no overexposure to radiation
results from the accident. Later in the year, the
NRC imposes stricter reactor safety regulations
and more rigid inspection procedures to
improve the safety of reactor operations.
1979
Seventy-two licensed reactors generate
12 percent of the electricity produced commer-
cially in the United States.
The '80s
1980 March 26. DOE initiates the Three Mile
Island research and development program to
develop technology for disassembling and
de-fueling the damaged reactor. The program
will continue for 10 years and make
significant advances in developing new
nuclear safety technology.
1982 October 1
. After 25 years of service, the
Shippingport Power Station is shut down.
Decommissioning would be completed in
1989.
1983 January 7
. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act
(NWPA) establishes a program to site a
repository for the disposal of high-level