[Growler]

I just can't explain the vast disparity in plant concentration to population density alone - I mean, California is the most populous state in the country, but fields only 2 plants - in the south - three, if you count Arizona's contribution.

Conversely, Maryland is one of the lesser populated states (42nd, according to Wiki) and Pennsylvania (33rd), yet there are two plants less that 50m away, and four less than 100m.

OK, that's not adding up the population densities of all the states on the East Coast equal in area to California, I get that. Nonetheless, if nuke power was such a big safety deal, proximity to population centers would argue for MORE plants out west and fewer here in the east, instead of what the current situation represents - it's not like power distribution lines in So. Cal. aren't getting the juice from those three plants across mountains, deserts, and populated areas as well.

Certainly, earthquake propensity factors into it somewhat - it's not as if the East is immune to temblors, but bigger 5+ magnitude quakes aren't common here. And, as we saw in Japan, earthquake-toughening reactors isn't impossible - If I were in California, I'd be more worried about San Onofre taking a swim than a shake... but here in the East, flooding rains aren't uncommon. I routinely hear of the floodgates at Conowingo Dam Hydroelectric Plant being open to account for the Susquehanna at flood state when the central PA/MD area gets heavy rainfall.