The developed countries must, therefore, put increased emphasis on non-fossil energy technologies. It is therefore vital that the United States in particular, and all developed countries, emphasize nuclear power in meeting electric power needs, and to the extent possible substitute uranium for fossil fuel. It is equally critical that, as aging nuclear facilities are taken out of commission, replacement power generation be nuclear and not fossil fuel. Fossil fuel pollution from power plants is estimated to cause 40,000 to 70,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. The issue of nuclear weapons proliferation can be met, we believe, by strengthening the International Atomic Energy Agency both scientifically and by providing it with means of enforcement.
Technology exists to dispose of nuclear waste safely.
We hope that the Kyoto meeting will call upon all countries to cooperate in deployment of nuclear power as the available means of responsibly meeting the world's energy needs. The issues are of a global extent seeking intelligent international cooperation.