With the US Presidential race over—and John McCain's ambitious nuclear power plan with it—the debate over whether or not nuclear energy is clean energy looks to be calming down somewhat. But recent groundwater tests from France may help alleviate some of the fears that still surround fission reactors.

Despite a major leak earlier this year, consisting of over 1000 cubic feet of uranium-containing fluid spilling onto the ground and into a nearby river, groundwater near the nuclear site showed no abnormal levels of contamination.  A similar result was obtained from examining groundwater under older nuclear sites around the country.

While this bodes well for those promoting nuclear as a powerful, reliable, carbon free electricity source, there still remain several fear-inspiring issues surround the domestic use of fission power. Disposal of used fuel, keeping enriched, fissionable material out of the hands of terrorists or rogue states, and mitigating the high prices of building and maintaining nuclear reactors top the list.