We are a technological society. Nuclear power is, to me, is a most amazing example of an environmental issue. I spent 7 years looking for solutions to the environmental legacy of nuclear weaponry and commercial use. On the one hand, the scale of contamination now in existence can be overwhelming. On the other hand, the number of deaths related to nuclear power use excluding Chernobyl is underwhelming.
Ratings mean money from sponsors.
Every once in a while, it seems to be an entity that doesn't belong to us. These Politics 101 considerations often precede personal preferences of elected officials. Democracy, remember, will bring politicians down if their actions are not in accord with the popular will. Environmental education is the only answer to adjusting the popular will. Shortcut - educate politicians so they can lead the environmental awareness campaign.