The Lying Piper of Nukeland
On March 21, more than 40 groups, mainly from Europe, protested the false promises and nuclear fairy tales being spun at the March 21 International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels. Prior to our fairy tale-themed rally close to the venue we issued a declaration signed by 621 organizations from across the world and issued a press release.
PG&E to dredge Diablo Canyon intake system
Diablo Canyon is California’s only remaining nuclear plant and is the largest energy producer, generating 8 percent of the state’s electricity. The plant’s remaining two reactors were scheduled for shutdown in 2024 and 2030, respectively, but received five-year extensions to continue operating. Meanwhile, Diablo Canyon has also applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year license extension.
Nuclear Power is Tribal Power
A report by the NRGI calculated that: “American Indian lands are estimated to include as much as 50 percent of US potential uranium reserves”. That amount could meet most (or all) of the future medium-term domestic demand growth. Thus, any attempt to reboot American uranium production that is not cast in full and willing partnership with sovereign tribal governments and their local communities will likely fail.
Amazon just bought a 100% nuclear-powered data center
One of the US’s largest nuclear power plants will directly power cloud service provider Amazon Web Services’ new data center.
NRC Accepts Urenco USA’s License Amendment Request for LEU+
On March 8, 2024, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepted Urenco USA’s License Amendment Request (LAR) to increase enrichment levels from 5.5% to 10% (Low Enriched Uranium+ or LEU+). The NRC has agreed to review our request and expects to make a final decision by the end of 2024.
The arrow is pointing up
There have been significant changes in the outlook for the existing U.S. nuclear fleet in the last few years. In 2021, we were looking at the early closure of units and could not even think of license extension. Since then, the combination of the U.S. government recognizing the clean-air benefits of nuclear and the impact of the war in Ukraine has resulted in a lot of positive activity on Capitol Hill for nuclear.
Orange County leading a grim trend: Cancer among younger people
Yes, it’s still true that older people are more likely than younger people to be diagnosed with cancer. Cells change more frequently, and in different ways, when you’re older. And decades of lifestyle choices and exposures can — and often do — result in some form of cancer.
But according to new data from several health organizations, younger people are starting catch up, cancer-wise.
Make (some) nukes history
The Make Nukes History campaign aims to raise public awareness about the civilization-ending risks posed by today’s nuclear arsenals. It reminds us that while Oppenheimer is a history lesson, nuclear weapons are very much still with us, but that we can put an end to what J. Robert Oppenheimer started.