nuclear-news

Protect nuclear whistleblowers

Protect nuclear whistleblowers
Upcoming ‘nuclear renaissance’ will bring grave risks to health and safety. The National Law Journal Nicole J. Williams and Debra KatzMay 18, 2009 During the past few years, U.S. public policymakers from across the political spectrum and industry advocates have ushered in a “nuclear renaissance” — an era in which nuclear energy is being touted as the only technology, other than hydroelectric power, capable of generating large volumes of energy without directly producing greenhouses gases…………………………Massive federal subsidies, loan guarantees and production tax credits to the nuclear industry have provided the springboard for the greatest expansion of nuclear power in the United States since the 1960s.

What is troubling, however, is that this resurgence in support for nuclear power comes despite serious concerns about the tremendous costs of constructing new reactors, uncertainty regarding the future of highly radioactive waste disposal and ongoing violations of the rights of workers who bear the day-to-day responsibility of operating nuclear power plants and ensuring compliance with nuclear safety regulations……………………………With the expansion of the nuclear energy, there is bound to be pressure to build and operate nuclear plants faster and cheaper. If history tells us anything, these pressures will invariably lead to a “schedule over safety” culture at some plants, and nuclear workers will be pressured to cut corners and overlook safety problems in the interest of getting and keeping plants online and profits flowing to shareholders. These workers, who serve as the “eyes and ears” of the public, will be forced to decide whether and how vigorously to blow the whistle on their employer’s nuclear safety practices or to be silent out of fear of losing their jobs. It is crucial that these workers, who have a legal duty to report nuclear safety concerns, be aware of their legal rights…………………………………Given the grave consequences that blowing the whistle generally has to the careers of nuclear workers, the Department of Labor must approach its task of protecting the rights of these workers with renewed vigor — a task that will be made especially challenging by the determination of the nuclear industry to bring more reactors online in a shorter period of time than ever before in the industry’s history.

Protect nuclear whistleblowers

May 18, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized