CNBC's 'THE NUCLEAR OPTION' Reported By Melissa Francis Premieres On Tuesday, October 14th At 9PM & 1AM ET

Is America Ready For Nuclear Power?

A CNBC Original Documentary Reported By Melissa Francis Focusing On One Potential Solution To America's Energy Crisis.

America is now using more energy than at any other time in our nation's history. The price of crude is skyrocketing and the push to find alternatives to fossil fuels has never been greater. Is The Time Finally Right For Nuclear Power?

CNBC presents "The Nuclear Option," an original one-hour documentary reported by Melissa Francis, a veteran energy correspondent and anchor of CNBC's "The Call," airing on Tuesday October 14th at 9PM & 1AM ET. The program offers an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the push to make nuclear energy a true alternative fuel of the future. Francis talks to Dale Klein, chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission about this race for the next nuclear energy plant in the U.S. and safety issues, as well as Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, a critic of the expansion due to worries about security.

"The Nuclear Option" also takes viewers on an unprecedented tour of Three Mile Island, the site of the worst nuclear accident in American history and the Pennsylvania town it calls home. In addition, the program focuses on two small towns, Bay City, Texas located deep in oil country, and Calvert County, Maryland, to explore their battle for approval of the first new nuclear plant in the United States in more than thirty years. Right now, more than 20-cities across America are seeking approval for nuclear plants.

This comprehensive hour will also take a look at France where 80-percent of this tiny European country's energy comes from nuclear power. Additionally, the report offers a rare look at the construction of France's 59th nuclear facility located on the Normandy Coast. Francis interviews French Senator Gean Francius Le Grand and Anne Leauvergeon CEO of Areva, the company behind France's nuclear program. Questions posited include: What do the French know that we don't? Why are the Europeans so willing to accept nuclear energy? And what are they doing about the most pressing problem related to atomic energy - waste?

"The Nuclear Option" will also introduce viewers to the man who co-founded Greenpeace and was right in the middle of the No-Nukes movement in the 1970's. Today this environmentalist, Patrick Moore, supports America's nuclear revival and tells CNBC why he's made this stunning about face.

For more information including web extras and extended video clips, log onto http://thenuclearoption.cnbc.com.

"The Nuclear Option" will re-air on Sunday, October 19 at 10PM ET on CNBC.