NUCLEAR POWER

    During this election cycle, we are again hearing Nuclear power being touted by ill informed politicians  as a solution to our energy and environmental problems. Here are some things to consider before we embrace Nuclear power as an increased part of our  energy future.

  Vermont Yankee is one of the oldest Nuclear powerplants in the Country with one of the worst safety records.

   Storage of radioactive waste, which remains deadly for hundreds of thousands of years , is a  problem which hasnt yet, and may never be solved.

   So called "low level releases" of radioactivity  which have regularly occured, are a health threat, causing increased rates of cancer  in surrounding communities. After years of denying the evidence and attempting to destroy the reputations of their own researchers, such as Dr. John Goffman, the NRC recently acknowledged the truth- there is no safe level of radiation.  

   Nuclear power provides terrorists with more opportunities to do us harm, on a very large scale.

   Nuclear power is also not a viable short term solution to our energy needs. The lead time required to build such plants averages 15 years, and in any case the Uranium fuel is a limited, non renewable resource. In fact , the milling and mining of nuclear fuel is one of the main sources of increased " low level" radiation exposure.

Vermont Yankee supplies 30% of Vermonts electricity, and we do not have to worry about the lights going out if Vermont Yankee were to be shut down, as we would be able to purchase electricity from the grid or Hydro Quebec. The truth is, we can replace Vermont Yankee with Wind, Solar, and other renewable sources of  power if we were to provide the same level of subsidies and other benefits the nuclear industry has enjoyed (approx 150 billion dollars).

 These simple facts paint a picture that anyone with common sense can see. One doesnt have to be an "expert" to be informed about the basics.
Remember to take paid lobbyists with a grain of salt, as they are only paid to tell you one side of the story.

See also: "Vermont Yankee and the American Duct Tape Council" an editorial from the Valley Advocate.

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