nuclear-news

Nuclear power is a risk we can’t afford

 https://www.registerguard.com/opinion/20180912/nuclear-power-is-risk-we-cant-afford,  Susan Cundiff, 13 Sept 18 I appreciated reading Frank Lawson’s update on EWEB’s performance (EWEB working to improve costs, more, Sept. 8). One item gave me pause: the $3.5 million increase from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Part of that bill pays for nuclear power. EWEB is the largest purchaser of nuclear power in Oregon, representing 7.5 percent of its energy portfolio. All of this power comes from the aging Columbia Generating Station (CGS) located near the leaking tanks and collapsing tunnels at Hanford Nuclear Reservation on the banks of the Columbia River.

Nuclear power is expensive and a threat to health and safety. When the cost of CGS power is compared to average market prices, EWEB is projected to overspend by $53 million between 2006-2028. The average household could save $25/year if CGS were closed. Visit www.oregonpsr.org/economic_issues for more info. The design of the plant is similar to the Fukushima Daiichi reactor that melted down in Japan. Recognizing this folly, the Board of Seattle City Light sent a letter to BPA indicating they must stop purchasing power from CGS. EWEB commissioners should do the same. Nuclear power is a risk we can’t afford. More than giving us pause, this should be full stop.

September 14, 2018 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general