GE (GE) Goes On Offensive for Nuclear Industry

General Electric (NYSE:GE) CEO Jeffrey Immelt went on the offensive concerning the nuclear industry today, noting the approximate 50-year history of the industry and its record.

All the usual people tormented with fear are attempting to use the earthquake in Japan as a reason to cut back on the nuclear sector, even though the nuclear story there hasn't been clear by any means.

"Clearly we are offering any kind of technical assistance to our customer TEPCO and the government of Japan as they go through the recovery efforts with the nuclear power plants," Chief Executive Jeff Immelt said to reporters. "Our first priority is to support the government and people of Japan.''

"It's early days. Let people do exploration of what happened (in Japan) and let it take its course," said Immelt. "We are still only 72 hours from this earthquake and tsunami. A lot is still being understood."

General Electric was trading at $19.71, down $0.65, or 3.19 percent, as of 12:24 PM EDT.