The 1979 Three Mile Island accident was a pivotal event that led to questions about U.S. nuclear safety . Earlier events had a similar effect , including a 1975 fire at Browns Ferry , the 1976 testimonials of three concerned GE nuclear engineers , the GE Three . In 1981 , workers inadvertently reversed pipe restraints at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant reactors , compromising seismic protection systems , which further undermined confidence in nuclear safety . All of these well-publicised events , undermined public support for the U.S. nuclear industry in the 1970s and the 1980s
Three Mile Island accident
Three Mile Island accident
Nuclear power in the United States