Nuclear Power Secuity Risk
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Nuclear Power Security Risk is a Problem
Small Modular Reactors Increase Security Risk
Inexplicably, a claimed advantage of the new nuclear power reactors — termed “small modular reactors” (SMRs) — is that they can be sited close to population centers and industrial facilities. For example, Purdue University is considering building a small modular reactor to power its campus. Recently, the company X-energy promoted use of small modular reactors to power oil and gas refineries. And some SMR proponents are even claiming that these reactors could be mobile; one could be coming to your neighborhood. Would you like to host an ideal terrorist target near your home or business?
In addition, some of the new reactor designs use highly enriched uranium that is only slightly below weapons-grade uranium (unlike existing reactors that use low-enriched uranium). Not only would this mean that new nuclear reactors are targets for terrorist destruction or theft, but also there would be more weapons-grade nuclear material made and transported worldwide, increasing the risk of a terrorist attack enroute. And, of course, more reactors mean more radioactive waste that would need to be transported and stored, again increasing the risk.
It is true that everything involves risk, but we do not need to increase the risk when there are other less-risky, more desirable options. The more our energy supply relies on non-nuclear resources the safer we will be.
How we're fighting back
• Working with other organization in the West to make sure consumers have safe, affordable, and reliable power.
• Reaching out to the Northwest residents make them aware that nuclear energy is not a viable climate action.
• Supporting the deployment of local energy sources that will keep electric rates affordable for all such as energy efficiency and solar.
Utilities in the Pacific Northwest are in the process of planning for reducing their carbon footprint and while some are looking at energy efficiency and conservation along with renewablea, others are unfortunately looking to nuclear power. It's important we encourage those utilities seeking nuclear free options to continue down that path. At the same time, we need to let those utilities planning on nuclear power know they need to follow a nuclear free path and focus on local energy projects. Nuclear power costs will only add significant costs to electric bills in addition to the increased costs for fixing the electric grid for reliability.
Action Needed Now!
Tell Your Electric Utility
Now is not the time to solve one problem with another, one that will increase electric rates and impact future generations with radioactive waste. Let your utility know you want your ratepayer dollars to be used for energy efficiency, community renewables, and rooftop solar. Here are the utilities that we know are considering new nuclear reactors:
Clark Public Utility District - Grant County Public Utility District - Pacific Power
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