"The 104 nuclear power plants operating today represent over 70 percent of the nation's emission-free generation portfolio, avoiding 681 million metric tons of CO2, compared with 13.1 million tons for wind and 0.5 million tons for solar. So it is no accident that there is a growing realization among environmentalists, scientists, the media, think tanks, and policy makers that nuclear power must play an important role in harmonizing the country's need for independence, economic competitiveness, and a healthy environment." (Voinovich, 13)