(单词翻译:单击)
The Indian Point nuclear power plant sits on the eastern shore of the Hudson River 35 miles north of New York City. On October 15, a three-judge panel hears evidence on whether the plant should operate for another 20 years. At issue is Indian Point's ability to handle the challenges of aging, as well as its cost estimates for dealing with a meltdown. But what's really at stake is whether nuclear power has a future near the Big Apple.
印第安角核电站坐落在纽约城以北35英里的哈德逊河东岸。10月15号，一个由三名法官组成的专门小组听取了关于这家核电厂去留的证据。处在争论旋涡之中的是印第安角处理设备老化的能力，以及处理核泄漏的损失估计。但真正决定利害关系的问题在于核电站在“大苹果”附近是否有未来。
The two operating reactors on the site produce roughly 17,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year. A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council argues that this electricity could be replaced nearly for free. In fact, the report argues, New York State is already building a new transmission line that will bring in enough power to replace a quarter of the nuclear-generated electricity. But analyses by plant owner Entergy suggest the changeover would come with a hefty bill.
核电站有两处正在运营的反应堆，它们每年大约要生产一万七千瓦特小时的电量。一项来自美国自然资源保护委员会的新报告指出，这种规模的产电量完全能被取代，而且几乎不需要任何成本。这项报告称，纽约政府实际上已经在修建一条新的输电线，建成后能带来足够的电量来取代四分之一的核电。但是核电厂老板安特吉作的分析认为这样的转变需要大量资金的支持。
All parties agree that a shutdown would see an increased role for natural gas—meaning more carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. Whatever the decision, a warmer future is coming—which means more energy demand to cool off summer in the city. Wouldn't it be nice if that power came without the promise of more heat?
双方一致认为核电站停业会加大对天然气的需求，这又意味着会排放更多温室气体，从而加速气候变化。无论结果如何，未来气候还是会变暖，夏季城市还是会需要更多电量来降温。如果在供应能量的同时，保证不带来多余的热量岂不是更好？
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