Edward Jaffe [“Perfection: political tactic or prerequisite?,” Point/Counterpoint, Oct. 19] makes a personal judgement that perfection is required in the use of nuclear power.
Thirty governments around the world committed to nuclear power judge differently. They compare to the alternatives. The math that he suggests - risk from one plant times the number of plants - was done 35 years ago in the NRC's official report on risk (WASH 1400, the Rasmussen Report).
Mr. Jaffe persists in the tired old lie about insurance. The states, which regulate insurance companies, won't let them sell homeowners' nuclear accident insurance, because they are covered by the no-fault insurance, required by law, and paid for by the plants. He could ask the Vermont Insurance Commissioner.