All sources of electric generation have positive attributes and negative attributes. Two of the sources widely used for electricity generation that seem to attract the most vocal opposition are nuclear energy and coal‐fired generation, both of which are discussed in this chapter. Factors relevant to environmental and economic impacts are considered in hopes of presenting an “apples‐to‐apples” comparison. The various facts, factors, impacts, and/or issues that are evaluated include the following: installed capacity and net generation in the United States/average capacity factors; basics of the technology/efficiency; primary operational mode within the electric grid; capital cost/variable costs including fuel/levelized cost of energy; availability of fuel source and price variability; emissions/effect on human health; production of solid and/or hazardous wastes and disposal options; cooling water requirements/other water requirements; impacts to surface water and groundwater quality; land use requirements/compatibility with other uses; and workforce health and safety.