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May 2022
1h 15m

Who Killed Nuclear Energy?

DR. CHRIS KEEFER
About this episode
Emmet Penney, creator of Nuclear Barbarians, Grid Brief, and the ex.haust podcast, walks us through the rise, fall and future prospects of nuclear power in the United States. Emmet dives deep on the historical, regulatory, political, and environmentalist forces behind nuclear energy's decline, with his signature, unapologetic critique of all sides involved. ... Show More
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Aug 18
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Aug 12
#289 - Breaking the Ice
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