The Nuclear Debate Recently, there has been extensive debate over the use of nuclear power. Nuclear fission is defined as “the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more nuclei.” (Houghton Mifflin). This splitting of the atom results in an energy release. While many people see nuclear as a way of lessening carbon emission while still meeting the high energy demands of the country’s energy needs, others see it as simply too dangerous and to expensive. Many people oppose nuclear power because of the safety risk and the cost to build new reactors. According to James Jasper, technological flaws and the cost of building nuclear reactors has led to the decline of nuclear power. (Taylor). After accidents including Chernobyl, Three Mile Island,