Publication Laka-library:
Risky Business. The probability and Consequences of a nuclear accident (2001)
| Author | Jim Riccio, Greenpeace |
| Date | 2001 |
| Classification | 6.01.3.70/48 (NUCLEAR SAFETY - RISK ANALYSES / RISK PERCEPTION) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
Introduction The 103 operating nuclear reactors in the U.S. have always posed the risk of a catastrophic accident that could cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars. The American public has, over time, become inured to this risk. After the tragedy of September 11th, Greenpeace felt that it was important to re-examine the consequences of a nuclear accident. And to question why the Bush/Cheney energy plan would continue to support an electricity source that also constitutes a national security threat. This report will not discuss the many vulnerabilities of nuclear power plants. Suffice it to say that you don't even need to be on the reactor site to cause a nuclear accident. Rather this report will address the threat posed by each of these reactors and the long-lived radioactive wastes they produce. We will discuss the risk of a nuclear accident: both the probability of such an accident and its consequences. Nuclear industry propagandists are already busy denouncing anyone who would speak of the threat posed by their nuclear reactors. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has shut down its web site, virtually eliminating all information concerning the performance and regulation of the nuclear industry. We at Greenpeace believe that the public has a right to know of the risks posed by the nuclear power. We believe that an informed citizenry will be better able to make decisions concerning the important choices that face our nation as we plan to meet our energy needs in the new century. Earlier this year, Vice President Cheney told CNN, that the administration's energy policy will give nuclear power "a fresh look." As the Bush/Cheney Administration attempts to extend the licenses of nuclear reactors and subsidize the construction of new reactors, the public deserves a frank discussion of the risk posed by this most unforgiving technology. This report provides a starting point for that discussion based upon the government's own findings of the consequences of a nuclear reactor accident.
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