Nuclear energy suffers from poor brand management and a legacy of safety fears stemming from historical incidents like the China Syndrome and Chernobyl, yet it remains a remarkably safe energy source; statistically, more deaths occurred in a single car incident involving Ted Kennedy than from nuclear power in the U.S. Despite financial challenges and failed projects such as the Washington Public Power Supply System, which left reactors unbuilt due to budget overruns, the current climate shows a resurgence in interest towards nuclear energy. Influential figures like Bill Gates advocate for nuclear, while ongoing developments in small nuclear technology hint at a promising future for energy generation. Currently, nuclear reactors contribute about 19% of the United States' total energy supply, with 93 operational reactors across 28 states, emphasizing the importance of re-evaluating nuclear's role in the energy landscape.