How Does Nuclear Energy Affect Environmental Pollution? Evidence From the United States

Abstract

Research Originality: Nuclear power plant installation activities, which have gained momentum since the 1970s, have made nuclear energy widespread. The US ranks first in the world in nuclear energy use. This article contributes to the existing literature on environmental economics by incorporating environmental technologies and globalization into investigating the impact of nuclear energy on environmental pollution. Research Objectives: This study aims to analyze the effects of nuclear energy consumption, environmental technologies, and globalization on environmental pollution in the US.. Research Methods: The paper use ARDL approach with the data of 1970-2018 period. Empirical Results: According to the findings, nuclear energy consumption negatively affects environmental quality in the US both in the short and long run. On the contrary, environment- related technologies contribute positively to environmental quality, reducing carbon footprint in the long run. Also, globalization has an insignificant effect on the environment in both the short and long run. Implications: Supporting environmental technologies and exchanging nuclear energy with renewable energy sources in the US is thought to improve environmental quality.