Is it really even a fair question to ask? Grist's Umbra gets to the nucleus of the issue in her response to a reader who writes: "Which type of power plant do you think is best (or, least worst) for the environment, nuclear or coal? And your answer can't be neither!"

Her answer may surprise you. And be sure to read the comments posted below her article, as readers have offered their own wisdom on the question and the whole energy issue.