Japanese Minister Wants Nuclear Energy Phased Out

Japan's industry minister says nuclear plants are too dangerous for earthquake-prone areas and the country must give them up as soon as possible.

Yukio Edano says last year's meltdowns after a tsunami hit the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant showed that nuclear power's cost is too high. He expressed the opinion in his new book of policy views that hit stores today.

Japan's government adopted a plan this month to phase-out nuclear energy by 2040. The plan leaves many details unclear, including what to do with waste buildup or how best to promote green energy.

Edano also stressed the need to end the monopoly in the power industry to help promote renewable energy and speed up nuclear phase-out.

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