Thorium

Andrew Yang, son of immigrants from Taiwan, was a lawyer turned businessman who became a millionaire before age 35. He came to national attention when he ran for president in 2016. As a part of his platform he suggested using thorium to produce carbon free electric power. This did not get much attention since it didn't have a pathway to return government money to politicians like solar and wind. People are fearful of nuclear power because of the possibility of reactor meltdown but thorium cannot meltdown. If power is lost in a thorium reactor the reactor shuts itself down. In addition thorium reactors produce far less waste that is far less dangerous. Thorium reactors can use up the spent fuel from uranium reactors which is stored in various places around the country. The mining of thorium produces by products of rare earth metals which are needed for high tech equipment used in wind and solar. Those who promote the use of fossil fuels and wind and solar oppose thorium as they see it as competition.