Before you read this, I'd just like to point out that this is DAY 17 without any nuclear power coming from San Onofre, and the lights are still on. I think maybe they need us more than we need them.
Mayor and Councilmembers,
After coming so far on the issues
surrounding nuclear power, I am deeply disappointed that none of you
took the time to even respond to our recent requests on this pressing
topic. This Tuesday’s city council meeting has a light agenda and could
have been the perfect opportunity to consider our concerns and come to
some decision in your official capacity.
Our first request was
to direct staff to look into having a Radiation Monitoring Station
in San Clemente. Secondly, we wanted you to investigate the possibility
of having an Epidemiological Study done to determine if there
are any indications that we have an unusual number of health problems
which might be related to radiation exposure. Thirdly, we simply wanted
you to participate with us in our Fukushima Remembered event to
honor those lost and still suffering from the devastating earthquake and
tsunami of 3/11/11.
I can't understand why none of these
requests measured up to the level of significance that might be worthy
of your response. We currently are awaiting the news from Edison
about how much radiation may have been released based on the extent of
damage to the new generator tubes at San Onofre. France has recently
released reports of higher incidences of cancer around nuclear power
plants, especially amongst children. Japan continues to suffer the
consequences of politicians and government agencies neglecting their
responsibilities to consider public safety above the will of the
industry. How is it that these revelations do not resonate in your
hearts and minds when your public repeatedly brings them to your
attention?
Again, we ask you to place these matters of great
concern to many of the residents of San Clemente on your next agenda.
Please find it within your fiduciary responsibility to act wisely and
swiftly. Today there was a news report in Reuters where Japan's former
Premier expressed how 3/11 changed his way of thinking about nuclear
power.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said, “The Fukushima crisis
destroyed the myth that atomic energy is safe, cheap and clean and
prompted Japan to scrap a plan to boost its share of electricity demand
to more than half by 2030. While many technological measures can be
taken to secure safety at nuclear power plants, such measures on their
own cannot cover great risks," said Kan, sitting in front of a
calligraphy scroll inscribed with the ancient Chinese proverb "Be
Brave, But Not Reckless".
Kan's defenders say a key cause
of his downfall was his call to wean Japan from nuclear power -- a
stance popular with the public but opposed by many including politically
powerful utilities.
(see full article here)
Respectfully
yours,
Gary Headrick
So Cal Edison is now burying 136 Chernobyl's of radioactive waste 100 feet from the ocean in thin cans. #SaveTrestles
Showing posts with label Surfing4Change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surfing4Change. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
How Do We Still Have Power When San Onofre is not Operating (19 days and counting)?
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(Total shutdown continues due to failing new generators which cost us $680 Million) |
I asked this question of a whistle blower who was a licensed nuclear
operator at San Onofre and got the following explanation...
Small scale providers using natural gas, hydro, wind and solar are in less demand because they are competing with nuclear power which has artificially lower expenses due to subsidies and other invisible burdens carried by society. Nuclear power must run at full capacity 24/7 because that is the nature of this technology. It can’t be dialed up or down to adjust to fluctuations in demand, so it just sits there churning out power regardless of how much actually gets used.
Now that our nuclear power source is in complete shutdown mode, the other sources of electricity are able to charge SCE a premium to meet their obligations. This is good business for the smaller independent providers, giving them a larger share of the market. While this may sound bad for the ratepayers who always get stuck with the bill, it demonstrates the financial exposure we face by relying on nuclear power, let alone the many other well known risks of using radiation to boil water. The fact is that the $640 million invested in each of the failing generators came out of our pockets, as will the expenses to repair or replace them (if we allow it).
We use nuclear power because it is available, not because we need it. We blindly accept the risk of a Fukushima scale disaster because we are led to believe we would have to endure blackouts and huge financial losses without it. The industry likes to claim that they provide Californians with 19% of our energy, but according to data (see attached) from the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), there would still be a buffer of excess power available from other sources if we did not use nuclear power at all. Truly sustainable energy providers would enjoy financial stability leading to more rapid advances in technology getting us closer to energy independence and addressing climate change while creating jobs and a better economy.
It is time to demand that the CPUC steps in on behalf of ratepayers and put an end to this literal abuse of power. A small group of individuals reap the benefits of huge profits and undue influence at the expense of many. They will run these nuclear power plants until we force them to shutdown or allow them to meltdown. What more proof is required to understand that we don’t need them after having no nuclear power for 19 days and counting? Let’s move on to a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future.
Even if we had to be a little more careful about how we waste energy in order to avoid excessive demands on the grid during the summer we can definitely get by without nuclear power in California. Don't believe what the industry is telling us about the hardships it would create.
We are having “Fukushima Remembered” on 3/10 with guest speakers from Fukushima and a protest at the plant on 3/11, the first anniversary of the tragedy in Japan. Sign up here to be updated on our activities. We are counting on big numbers to offset the big money acting for profit above safety. Please share our message with others and make a donation if you can. Thanks!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Surfing San Onofre For Change @Surfing4Change
Surfing For Change, created and hosted by Kyle Thiermann is a free youtube series and is on a mission is to shatter the myth that activists don't have any fun.
If you want to get in touch with Kyle, Tweet: @Surfing4Change
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Location:
San Clemente, CA 92672, USA
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