Howard defends nuclear plans

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his pledge to pave the way for nuclear power was not politically risky because the public understands that atomic energy is necessary to combat global warming.

Howard announced that his centre-right government plans to repeal laws that limit uranium mining in Australia and prevent the creation of nuclear power plants.

He will not be able to build atomic generators, however, because all the states are governed by the centre-left Labour Party which is opposed to nuclear energy.

With elections due late this year, Howard said voters would appreciate the honesty of his policy to reduce Australia’s dependence on coal-fired electricity generation by introducing atomic energy.