AP IMPACT: Evacs and drills pared near nuke plants

U.S. nuclear power regulators are requiring fewer exercises for major accidents and recommending that fewer people be evacuated right away....

A few hours ago, a major 6.1 magnitude quake struck in Iran once again, some 100 km away from Bushehr - location of Iran's only nuclear power plant. According to subsequent reports, at least 30 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured, although at least for now the official version is that the power plan was undamaged. From Al Jazeera: "Fereydoon Hasanvand, governor of Bushehr, said the nuclear plant was undamaged by Tuesday's earthquake.

Analytical Chemist submits: Two weeks ago a magnitude 8.9 earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan. The earthquake, combined with the resulting tsunami caused terrible devastation, with over 10,000 dead as of the latest reporting. In the US, though, the predominant news coverage after the initial impact has been on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The chart shows the leading nuclear power producing countries from 1985-2009. The chart created by Curious Cat Investing and Economics Blog may be used with attribution.

China wants more nuclear plants than anyone else. Will it build them safely?

Barchart's ETF Recommendations submits:The nuclear industry is experiencing a renaissance with improved technology and with strong pressure for electricity that is generated without the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with fossil fuel power plants.