Actually, the DOE and NRC didn't choose it, it was the old AEC. They purposely killed thorium and liquid fuel nuclear reactors, fired Dr. Alvin Wienberg, and set the NRC on it's course we see now. They've done better with combining licenses and other regulations and standardization of plant designs.

I think the main point is that for the next 4 to 8 years, ALL forms of energy technology ARE going to be funded, yes, that means NUCLEAR and "CLEAN" COAL and wind, HVDC etc etc. Get used to it.

David