nuclear-news

Sellafield radiation warning a lesson on nuclear dangers

Sellafield radiation alert is powerful reminder of nuclear dangers  Company has chance to prove wider industry has shunned past secrecy and misinformation for greater safety and transparency Terry Macalister, energy editor theguardian.com, Saturday 1 February 2014 The radiation alert at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria is a powerful reminder of the physical dangers associated with nuclear power, with the event coming at a critical time for the industry.There has to be action when an alarm detects “elevated levels of radioactivity” on the perimeter fence at the north of a site which is home to the world’s largest civil plutonium stockpile.

It now seems that naturally-occurring radon was responsible for triggering the alarms, but the private sector managers were right to keep thousands of non-essential staff at home while they investigated…….The bulk of the Sellafield work now being performed by upwards of 10,000 staff is to reprocess fuel and decommission plants such as the world’s first provider of commercial nuclear power, Calder Hall, as well as look after atomic waste storage ponds and plutonium, the latter a legacy of bomb-making during the cold war………http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/31/sellafield-radiation-alert-reminder-nuclear-dangers

February 2, 2014 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Colorado lawmakers back renewable energy sstandard for electricity providers

Dems turn back GOP’s rural renewable energy repeal effort FOX 31 Denver  January 30, 2014, by Eli Stokols, DENVER — House Democrats Thursday made quick work of a Republican effort to reduce the renewable energy standard for rural electricity providers that Democrats increased last year…..

Following the vote, Colorado’s top conservation group issued a statement, relieved that a majority of lawmakers on the panel don’t share Scott’s point of view.

“It is encouraging there are members of the Energy and Transportation Committee who believe in Colorado’s clean renewable energy industry and the potential for wind and solar energy to power Colorado’s economy,” said Pete Maysmith, executive director of Conservation Colorado.

“For the State House members who consistently vote against clean, renewable energy and deny climate change is happening — we urge you to take a look at the science and join the overwhelming majority of Coloradans who support the benefits of clean non-polluting wind and solar energy……

“Any attempt to delay moving forward on the Colorado renewable energy standard will cost Colorado jobs and harm further economic investment in our state. Fred Flintstone was a charming character, but the cavemen and dinosaurs died out long ago.  So must our grip on dirty energy sources that harm our climate, public health and environment.”“Any attempt to delay moving forward on the Colorado renewable energy standard will cost Colorado jobs and harm further economic investment in our state. Fred Flintstone was a charming character, but the cavemen and dinosaurs died out long ago.  So must our grip on dirty energy sources that harm our climate, public health and environment.”http://kdvr.com/2014/01/30/dems-turn-back-gops-rural-renewable-energy-repeal-effort/

February 2, 2014 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Miserable uranium market further dampens Virginia Uranium’s prospects

Price of uranium another twist in Virginia mining plans 31 Jan 14 A continued drop in the projected long-term price of uranium — combined with Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s recent statements affirming his opposition to uranium mining — has been a one-two punch to uranium mining efforts in Virginia.

Virginia Uranium Inc. recently announced it would not pursue legislation in the 2014 General Assembly that would have drafted regulations for uranium mining in the state…….

legislative hurdles aren’t the only concern facing the company. According to the most recent data, declines in the global price of uranium may also affect the mining conglomerate’s future plans.

February 2, 2014 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized | Leave a comment