When assessing the current energy needs and sustainability of our country, we currently use many forms of energy. Each energy source has several advantages and disadvantages, but an evaluation and discussion of a significant portion of U.S. energy production is necessary. When considering nuclear energy, one need only look at its unmatched cleanliness and efficiency, excellent safety record, and excellent economic benefits to realize its potential as a major source of energy production for states -United. First, nuclear energy is the cleanest and most efficient. major energy producers (coal, natural gas, nuclear). “One pellet of uranium fuel has the energy equivalent of 1,780 pounds of coal and 17,000 Ft3 of natural gas” (Nuclear Energy Institute). Additionally, during plant operation, the production of harmful greenhouse gases is very limited. “Nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxides as part of the electricity generation process” (EPA). Additionally, all the spent fuel from all the world's operating reactors would occupy a tiny amount of space compared to the coal ash sites scattered across the United States. In fact: “Over the past four decades, the entire industry has produced approximately 69,720 tons of used nuclear fuel. If the spent fuel assemblies were stacked end-to-end and side-by-side, it would cover a football field about seven meters deep” (Nuclear Energy Institute). Data shows that a large amount of energy is collected from a small amount of fuel and that the overall environmental cost is lower with nuclear power. However, the extraction process has been questioned regarding the overall cleanliness of the nuclear energy life cycle. Some might argue that middle of paper......the assurance process in manufacturing nuclear power technology is highly focused, manufacturing the technology requires great attention to detail, thereby increasing the price and value of these goods. This benefits business economies and generates tax revenue for governments. In conclusion, after reviewing the cleanliness, efficiency, safety, and economic benefits of nuclear energy, it is in the United States' best interest to continue to develop nuclear technology. It is also clear that nuclear energy should retain its major share in the national energy portfolio for long-term energy sustainability.Works CitedEPA. Clean energy. October 22, 2013. the web. April 5, 2014. Nuclear Energy Institute. Knowledge center. NDWeb. April 4, 2014. Post, Willem. Deaths from nuclear power compared to other causes. February 26, 2013. The web. April 5 2014.