No, it is not a joke. And today is not April 1st.
Thorium can be the next (would have been the first) nuclear power source that DOES NOT produce over thousands of years of toxic waste. It can practically eliminate the risks of meltdown (with a new reactor design). And, we have around 175,000 tons of thorium in the U.S.
This was being explored in the 1950’s, but uranium was chosen instead for its nastier toxic byproducts.
We want more electrical energy. Independence. Reduce coal usage?
Here it may be. We just need the will to progress in this direction.
UPDATE: Apparently, I was caught up in the heat of the moment. I should have read a little more. My thanks to the commenter.
Daniel McAndrew 
Poeple like to lie.
With Neutrons being shot at Thorium Uranium 233 is created, which can be also used for atomic weapons.
Uranium 233 is high toxic and deadly.
Halflfe: 159,000 years.
Thorium is not green.
regards,
T.