Nuclear Plants

* The Times gave considerable space recently to a Nader study of nuclear reactor plants (Dec. 16) whose overblown rhetoric (“ . . . shocking picture of an industry in decline . . . “) is matched only by the triviality of its complaints.

We are asked to pay great attention to every problem--large or small, nuclear nor not--that appears at a nuclear plant. We are asked to brood over the fact that an industry group that studies plant operations to help the electric utilities do a better job finds problems overlooked by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. But the important points are that problems are being identified, that plants like San Onofre have an excellent record in both safety and efficiency, and that electricity produced by these plants replaces electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels. It is that burning which adds to air pollution and global warming.

While we care about the institutions we have created to safeguard us, let us permit them to do their job. And let us stay focused on “the big picture,” on air quality and on environmental impact.

NOEL CORNGOLD

San Marino