Photo courtesy of Paul Fusco’s Gallery of Chernobyl Legacy.

Media Advisory:

April 22, 2011

CONTACTS: Susana Almanza PODER 512-472-9921
Karen Hadden, SEED Coalition 512-797-8481

No More Chernobyls, No More Fukushimas, No More Nuclear Reactors

WHAT: On the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, protesters will gather in Austin. This week NRG, the company announced that they will halt further investment in two proposed South Texas Project nuclear reactors, a strong step in the right direction.

Protesters will emphasize nuclear health risks and urge NRG to take further steps:

• We call on NRG to withdraw their reactor license and federal loan guarantee applications. As it is, another company could come in, buy out the project and move forward with additional reactors.

• We call on NRG to halt re-licensing efforts for two existing reactors due to safety concerns and the increasing risks as reactors age. Re-licensing would add 20 more years of operation for units 1 & 2, which are set to retire in 2027 and 2028.

Public opposition to more reactors is increasing. Opponents have a strong legal case that addresses the risks of co-locating multiple reactors at the same site. NRG’s plan to deal with fires and explosions is inadequate as well.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) cites a 50% default rate on federal loans for nuclear reactors, so if issued, US taxpayers could end up footing the bill. The proposed reactors would cost $18.2 billion, a pricetag on a par with our state debt.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 26th – NOON 25 years after of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, which has reportedly caused as many as 985,000 cancers deaths

WHERE: 10th and Congress – Austin, Texas (northeast corner of the intersection)

WHO: Members of local and statewide organizations, including Solar Si Nuclear No, SEED Coalition, PODER, Austin Physicians for Social Responsibility, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Public Citizen, Clean Water Action and more

WHY: We need to ensure that there are no more nuclear accidents – no more Three Mile Islands, no more Chernobyls, no more Fukushimas. A moratorium on proposed reactors and reactor re-licensing is called for. Protecting public health and safety as well as our economic health should be our priority. It is time to transition away from nuclear power to safer, cleaner ways of meeting our energy needs.

VISUALS: Protesters in "radiation suits"

Download this press release in pdf format for printing.