Obama Slams McCain Nuke Plant Plans In Nevada

In an appearance in the battleground state of Nevada yesterday, Sen. Barack Obama mocked Sen. John McCain's energy policies, particularly his call for more nuclear plants. The AP reports that Obama said in Las Vegas "that he would not take nuclear power 'off the table' as a possible energy option, but blasted John McCain's proposal to build dozens of new reactors in the U.S." Obama "said he supports increased research into nuclear waste storage and recycling, but could not endorse construction of new reactors until those concerns are resolved." The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that an underlying theme of Obama's attacks on McCain were the status of the federal government's Yucca Mountain nuclear waste facility, which is opposed by Obama and most of Nevada's leaders, but backed by McCain.

The New York Times reported on its 'The Caucus' blog that McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers "accused Mr. Obama of being the 'Dr. No' of energy security in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday." Rogers "criticized Mr. Obama for 'saying no' to oil exploration, a summer gas tax holiday, expanded investment in nuclear energy and a $300 million incentive to build a better car battery - all proposals that Mr. McCain has floated recently. 'We think we're seeing a pattern here,' Mr. Rogers said."