would coal (in its least environmental-controlled form) be posited as 'the' alternative to nuclear, then I would of course disapprove.

Why "would"? Not only it very obviosuly IS, it's already happening. There are 2 nuclear plants being built (or decide) in the Western world, and somethign like 150 coal plants under way.

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes