With a Japanese nuclear plant having suffered serious damage from a tsunami, it is pertinent to consider safety at other plants, including those near Chattanooga and elsewhere in the Tennessee Valley Authority area.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said after a tour of nuclear plants in her state that "what jumps out at you" is that some nuclear fuel rods are stored in pools like those dangerously - though so far not lethally - leaking radiation in Japan.
Such questions are reasonable. Safe production of nuclear power is essential.
Fortunately, TVA has a good safety record. While we cannot let down our guard, we have good reason to believe TVA operates its plants safely and beneficially to meet our energy needs.