The fact that burning fossil fuels contributes greatly to the problem of global warming is irrefutable - and drives the debate over just which technologies will provide the best solution. And while those advocating the renewable energies of wind and solar deserve a seat at the table, the fact that these technologies are in their infancy and will provide little if any relief, especially in the near term, is also irrefutable. And the idea we should grow corn for Pontiacs instead of people is just wrong. Our single best technology to immediately reduce the carbon emissions responsible for global warming, and with the added benefit of reducing our oil addiction to mere recreational use, is nuclear power.

Nuclear power is opposed by many who believe banning it will have the desired effect of eliminating the production of nuclear weapons. While there are others who believe terrorists can capture a nuclear power plant and create another Chernobyl. And there are still those who believe no matter how safe we build nuclear reactors, we cannot safely store nuclear waste. But an examination of all the current data surrounding nuclear power prove those beliefs to be false. And the most current data are provided in a new book by Gwyneth Cravens titled Power To Save The World, and should be required reading for everyone, public officials and private citizens alike.

And while it may be no small mention that Gwyneth Cravens has a history of antinuclear activism, it was her concern for the environment and the loss of blood and treasure defending our access to Arab oil that convinced her to challenge her assumptions and the conventional wisdom surrounding nuclear power. She spent years in this effort, carefully tracing the history of nuclear power from the Manhattan Project to the present. She not only interviewed the most prominent nuclear scientists working today, she visited nuclear power facilities and nuclear waste sites. And came away convinced that nuclear power is the answer. And I absolutely agree. The United States has safely employed nuclear power for over 50 years, but to the point where it provides just 20% of our electricity. A new Manhattan Project to double that production over the next ten years will not only put us on a path toward greatly reducing our carbon emissions, it will significantly, if not completely, reduce our need for Arab oil. And in another 10 years we could easily surpass France, where nuclear power provides over 70% of their electricity. And an immediate effort by Detroit to mass-produce electric cars will even further change the dynamic surrounding Arab oil. But if all you see is a Prius when visualizing the future of electric cars, Google Tesla Motors and then watch their YouTube video. These guys are producing an electric sports car every bit as elegant as a Ferrari - and it goes from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds.

Nuclear power and electric cars - that's the future. And unless the United States commits to develop both in a big way, and now, we will be on the outside looking in, risking all our efforts to be the most innovative and prosperous country of the 21st century.