To access this Letter to the Editor on-line: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-monday11-2008aug11,0,6409978.story?page=2

John McCain's pronouncement that nuclear power is inexpensive is belied by the industry's own figures. The most recent price tag is about $14 billion for two new reactors in the East, and an admission that up to $200 billion - and taxpayer-backed loan guarantees - may be needed to jump-start this 50-year-old industry. Maybe if McCain paid more attention to the reactors in his own backyard, he would have a better understanding of the costs, benefits and risks of nuclear power. Palo Verde Unit 3, near Phoenix, is one of the worst-performing nuclear plants in the country, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Placing our scarce resources in a nuclear revival may end up draining our energy budget without producing adequate energy supplies.

Rochelle Becker

Executive Director
Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility