The major environmental benefit associated with electric power generation in nuclear power stations is considered by American energy experts as the "hidden treasure" of this type of energy generation. A treasure, however, which needs to be revealed, since the present American environmental regulations do not yet take into account the importance of emission-free electric power generation. Nevertheless, a significant shift is becoming evident both in American politics and - slightly delayed - in the opinion of the American general public. Consequently, nuclear energy will be celebrating a comeback at the beginning of the 21st century - something that nobody ever expected. The number of politicians who, with climatic protection in mind, wish to support the modernization of existing nuclear power plants and the construction of new facilities by means of tax incentives, is growing both in Congress and the Senate. The US regulatory system for nuclear power facilities (NRC) must undergo reform both from a safety and economic point of view. Given the current state of affairs, reforms will include plant-specific criteria since there is at present a great difference between the best and worst American nuclear power stations. Generally speaking, however, US reactors have become considerably more reliable since 1985. A number of US public service corporations have already announced that they will be applying for permits to extend the service life of plants and to allow their modification. Total liberalization of the electric energy market in the United States is expected to provide an added impetus in favor of nuclear energy. Since the majority of US nuclear power plants are base-load suppliers, they are very competitive. In the USA, however, the construction of new nuclear power stations based on advanced light-water reactor developments is also being considered. The US Regulatory Commission has already certified three new reactor developments of this type and has granted permission for their construction.
