• Japan has passed a law allowing nuclear reactors to operate beyond 60 years, causing mixed emotions among civilians.
• Despite the benefits of nuclear energy, many of Japan’s reactors have not been operational since the Fukushima incident.
• The law aims to ensure a stable supply of carbon-free electricity, but public fears of another Fukushima-like event and doubts about the effectiveness of nuclear energy still persist.

Recently in Japan, there has been a law passed to allow nuclear reactors to operate beyond 60 years. The law is stirring up mixed emotions amongst civilians. 

Despite the benefits of nuclear energy, Japan hasn’t had many of their nuclear reactors back in working conditions since the incident of Fukushima. 

The goal of the bill is to provide energy that is carbon free. The government wants to ensure there is a stable supply of electricity. The bill technically states the age cap for nuclear reactors is 60 years, but there are exceptions. With many of the reactors being out of order in order to meet stricter safety and policy regulations, the 60 years gets frozen for the time they aren’t running.

Although there has been mass amounts of progress toward having the majority of the public in favor of nuclear energy, there are still doubters. Growing fears of the public regarding Fukushima are major concerns regarding the bill. Many want the nuclear reactors to be taken down since most of them haven’t done anything for them in the past years. 

The public fears this bill will allow nuclear reactors to pose a larger threat to the population. Since the reactors will be able to stand for longer periods of time, many fear there will be another event similar to Fukushima. Nuclear energy is safe, the reactors are safe, especially with the recent push for more strict safety and policy standards. Japan’s nuclear reactors are safe, there are plenty of nuclear reactors built that didn’t leak or break down. The one event that was caused by a massive tsunami should not reflect the entirety of Japan’s nuclear capabilities and safety.