News Summary: Japan's energy future in flux
NO NUKES: A Japanese Cabinet panel called for the nation to phase out nuclear power over the next three decades in what would be a major shift of national energy policy prompted by the Fukushima meltdowns.
INGRAINED ENERGY: Reversing Japan's decades-long advocacy of nuclear power is popular with the public, though it faces opposition from powerful business interests. The new policy calls for greater reliance on renewable energy, more conservation and sustainable use of fossil fuels and would see Japan joining Germany in turning its back on nuclear energy.
NEXT STEP: The proposal requires endorsement by the entire Cabinet, which Japanese news reports say has already agreed to the changes. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the new policy was just the beginning of a long and difficult process.
