[Beetle01]

Obama is not serious about nuclear power either. He has squashed plans to open the only developed nuclear waste facility in the country. I wonder how many people would prefer living near a nuclear power plant over a coal-fired plant.

Id be fine with a nuclear power plant nearby. Atleast our waterways would get better. Pretty sad you cant even eat fish out of most of our waterways due to the pollutants put in them by coal companies and other businesses like AK, Marathon, Dow Chem.

However, it has to be done right, I know accidents happen, but it seems that 99% of the time "accidents" occur due to a company trying to cut corners to save money, like the Gulf oil spill.

If a company is found to be negligent, and depending on the severity of the results of that negligence, that company should be fined out of business. You do this a few times and these companies would get their butts in check. First thing to do is to get rid of lobbyists in Washington. Even Obama who spoke out against lobbyists his whole campaign has fallen victim to the lures and promises they offer.

For those that think fining a company out of business would hurt all the regular everyday employees to much, I have a plan for that also. Obviously, if there is a need for this service, such as coal mining, as there is currently a big need for it, someone is going to step in and fill the gaps. So obviously the mines and stuff owned by that company are going to be a hot item for other energy companies. The govt steps in, in an arbitrary role only to oversee the sale of said properties and equipment, ensuring benefits and wages currently obtained by the employees stay in effect. Pretty simple concept.

I am a conservative, and I am for limited government, but when these companies are literally killing American citizens with there improper business tactics, that is when we need our govt most. Our govt is there to protect us, and ensure our safety, well being, and God given rights, in a limited role, but it does have a role.