We interviewed four students from the Midwest, hailing from Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
What do you know about the history of nuclear energy in general and where do you learn about it?
“I’m familiar with it initially being a result of development of the nuclear bomb. And then being quite popular for a while, in the 50s especially. And then being opposed as sort of a product of the counterculture movement in the 60s and the 70s. And now being in this sort of limbo, where it’s somewhere in between and people have varying opinions about it. I honestly can’t tell you where I learned that. I think probably in classes and reading about it. “
– Simon (18), Edina, MN
In terms of nuclear energy in Minnesota, what do you know about it?Before I had asked you to read a couple of articles on it, did you know about these two power plants?
“I was vaguely familiar with [the nuclear power plants]. I think I had heard of the Monticello one. I think it was easier [to find information] for Monticello, from what I gathered.”
– Simon (18), Edina, MN
What are your thoughts on Xcel Energy?
“Oh, I mean, complicated [thoughts on Xcel Energy]. Um, some negative. The nuclear energy monopoly situation is a little scary. General situation is a little scary. I do know there, it also kind of depends on the location, right? Like in Minneapolis, Xcel has a more negative role than it does in St. Paul and in St. Paul Xcel is actually kind of heading a lot of these like renewable energy[…] projects, etc. And so its role is different in different places, but yeah.”
– Sophie (20), Milwaukee, WI
Do you have any prior knowledge of nuclear energy? If so, where did it come from?
“I heard about [nuclear energy] because my boyfriend’s a nuclear engineering major.”
– Lesly (18), Joliet, IL
Do you have any prior knowledge of nuclear energy? If so, where did it come from?
“Homer Simpson works for the nuclear power plant in The Simpsons. He works for Mr. Barnes.”
– Anke (18), Bloomfield Hills, MI