SCANA, Santee Cooper pull plug on V.C. Summer !!!

As of April 2017, Construction at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Facility is 34 percent complete and billions of dollars over budget.

Efforts to build two state-of-the-art nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant in Fairfield County have gone inert.

Citing escalating costs, uncertainty over tax credits and the amount of Toshiba's recent financial pledge, SCANA Corp., the majority partner at V.C. Summer, said in a statement it plans to file a notice of abandonment with state regulators.

The decision follows a similar by minority partner Santee Cooper to suspend construction efforts. Santee Cooper said doing so would save its customers $7 billion...

...Green groups opposed to V.C. Summer declared victory shortly after news the reactors would be abandoned became public.

“We applaud Santee Cooper and SCE&G for making the right decision to protect their customers," Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said in a statement.

"This project has been a multi-billion dollar disaster," Smith continued. "We also call on Georgia Power and their utility partners to protect their customers from the similarly risky, mismanaged project in Georgia at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle.”

Representatives for Friends of the Earth, which has also called for a V.C. Summer shutdown, say consumers who helped pay for the reactors deserve refunds.

"The damage that this bungled project has caused to ratepayers and the state’s economy must be promptly addressed by SCE&G, Santee Cooper and regulators and all effort must be made to minimize that damage," Tom Clements, a senior advisor for Friends of the Earth, said in prepared comments.

"It’s time for money to be refunded as it was collected from them under the false pretense that advance payment for the nuclear project was sound," Clements said...

complete article: SCANA, Santee Cooper pull plug on V.C. Summer | News | aikenstandard.com

The People's Climate March is one month away, but you can start it now!

http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5502/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1303418

August 21, 2014

Dear Friends,

The historic People's Climate March is just one month away--September 21, 2014. And NIRS and all the other groups supporting this massive event have launched an all-out mobilizing campaign starting now.

This weekend, we ask every organization--and every individual--supporting the Nuclear Free-Carbon-Free Contingent to help get the word out about this event. Send an e-mail--or just forward this one--to everyone on your lists. Put up a notice on your websites and blogs; post on Facebook/Twitter or any other social media sites you use. Send a letter to the editor of your local paper about why you're going to the march, or just to raise awareness of it (we've made this easy for you, see details below).

The March Starts Now

We're not waiting until September 21--we're kicking off the march now! We're creating a photo gallery of marchers to visually tell everyone why we're marching. And if you absolutely can't come to New York City on September 21, this is a perfect way for you to stand and be counted.

It's easy. Just download and print one of the signs we have posted on our new The March Starts Now page (or make a sign of your own), and then take a selfie of you holding the sign, or get a partner or friend to take the photo and then take one of him/her too. Group shots encouraged too. Then send the photos to nirsnet@nirs.organd we'll post them in the photo gallery. Get started here.

Sign Up for the March

If you're coming to the march, but haven't yet signed up on the People's Climate March website, please do so now using this special code, which indicates your sign-up is coming through the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent:http://peoplesclimate.org/march?r=nukefree. The reason to sign up is so march organizers can have a better sense of how many people to expect--this is important for logistical and planning purposes.

We encourage you to sign up for the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent as well, for the same reasons. Plus, it will help us keep those of you we know are coming better informed about the Contingent's plans, especially any last-minute changes. You can sign up for the Contingent here.

National Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Activist Meeting

Besides the march on Sunday, September 21, NIRS is sponsoring a national meeting of activists all afternoon on Saturday, September 20. We're still working on exact time and location, but it will be in an accessible location in New York City. The purpose of the meeting will be to strengthen grassroots networks to be able to better organize and prepare for the many upcoming regional and state battles we all will be facing when the EPA's Clean Power Plan rule goes into effect next year. These battles will be critical for the future of nuclear power--we can close dirty, dangerous and uneconomic nuclear reactors and end talk of a nuclear "renaissance" for good, or face potentially decades of stagnation of renewable energy and energy efficiency in favor of dirty energy.The stakes are that high--but these are battles we can win. Please join us at this important meeting. We will keep you informed about time and location.

Some March updates

The march route has been set, you can see the route and a map on our main Contingent website here. The march will kick off at 11:30 am on September 21; contingents will be assembling north of Columbus Circle. We will inform you of the assembly point and time for the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent as soon as it is confirmed.

There are numerous other useful resources on the Contingent website, including flyers for downloading; organizing and mobilizing guides; information on transportation to NYC; background reading and much more.

The site is updated daily and will be through September 21.

122 organizations from across the world have now endorsed the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent, and new endorsements arrive daily. If your organization has not yet endorsed the Contingent, please send your name, organization name, city, state and country (if outside the U.S.) to us at nirsnet@nirs.org.

More than 1400 individuals have also signed a statement in support of the Contingent. You can add your name here.

Letters to the Editor

We have provided a sample letter for you to send to your local news outlets. You'll be able to choose which paper(s) it will be sent to. Then, edit the letter to reflect your own views and concerns (especially local ones), and your letter will automatically be sent to your local media. Research continues to show that letters to the editor remain among the highest-read portions of newspapers (including online ones). It's a great way to spread the word and we've made it as easy as possible for you. Get started here, it will only take you a few moments.

Facebook/Twitter and other social media posts

Here are a few sample posts you can use on your social media pages to help spread the word:

Twitter

In one month, September 21, the largest climate march in history. Join us. http://peoplesclimate.org/march?r=nukefree #peoplesclimate @nirsnet

#ActonClimate: Build a Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free energy system. We start September 21. http://peoplesclimate.org/march?r=nukefree #peoplesclimate @nirsnet

Facebook

Join me at the largest climate march in history. I'll be with the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent in NYC on September 21. Full information here: http://www.nirs.org/climatemarch/climatemarchhome.htm

Friends, help spread the word about the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent to the People's Climate March in NYC on September 21. http://www.nirs.org/climatemarch/climatemarchhome.htm

Don't forget to Comment to EPA!

Finally, if you have not yet sent in your comments on the EPA's Clean Power Plan, please so do now here. Many people have not yet done so, and in this case, every single comment matters. The nuclear industry is mounting a major lobbying effort toincrease support for nuclear power in the plan--our united and large call to remove all nuclear support for the plan is the only thing that will stop them.The Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent to the People's Climate March is one of the most exciting and meaningful events I've been part of in my nearly 30 years at NIRS. It's just amazing to see the enthusiasm and spirit growing the way it is. This will a momentous weekend. I really do hope you'll join me, all the NIRS staff, and people from all over the country in New York City on September 21.

Thanks so much for all you do,

Michael Mariotte
President
Nuclear Information and Resource Servicewww.nirs.org
nirsnet@nirs.org

Stay Informed:

NIRS on the web: http://www.nirs.org

GreenWorld: (NIRS' daily blog chronicling nuclear issues and the transition to a nuclear-free, carbon-free energy system)http://www.safeenergy.org

NIRS on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nuclear-Information-and-Resource-Service/26490791479?sk=wall&filter=12
http://www.facebook.com/nonukesnirs

NIRS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/nirsnet

9.21 PEOPLES CLIMATE MARCH, NYC

This September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a historic summit on climate change – and we’ll be waiting for them in the streets. Join us.

This is an invitation to change everything.

In September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a UN summit on the climate crisis. UN Secretary­ General Ban Ki-­moon is urging governments to support an ambitious global agreement to dramatically reduce global warming pollution..

With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we’ll take a stand to bend the course of history. We’ll take to the streets to demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities.

To change everything, we need everyone on board.
Sunday, September 21 in New York City. Join us.

Sign up now  – and read Our Power Campaign’s powerful call to action, Bill McKibben’s invitation in Rolling Stone, or Eddie Bautista’s piece in Earth Island Journal.

http://peoplesclimatemarch.org/
https://www.facebook.com/peoplesclimatemarch

Join the nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent September 21!
http://peoplesclimate.org/nonuclearpower/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nukefreeclimatefreemarch/

see also: Our Power Campaign • People’s Climate March 2014

whats up: 9.21 PEOPLES CLIMATE MARCH, NYC: nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent | Nuclear-Free Carbon-Free

9.21 PEOPLES CLIMATE MARCH - NYC :: via No Nukes Nirs (NIRS on facebook)-
People's Climate March: nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent
- 350.org's Bill McKibben on nuclear power and climate. "Nuclear power is counterproductive, for economic reasons alone, in dealing with our climate crisis. Clean energy solutions are cheaper and faster to implement."

Join the nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent September 21!
http://peoplesclimate.org/nonuclearpower/

People's Climate March: nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent (facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nukefreeclimatefreemarch/

Nuclear Power and Climate: Why Nukes Can't Save the Planet.
NIRS' basic 1 sheet factsheet: Perfect for downloading, printing, and distributing (pdf format).http://www.nirs.org/factsheets/nukesclimatefact614.pdf

Just $10 will buy a flag for nuke-free contingent to People's Climate March Sept 21. http://t.co/IEvTTwR2fX

PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MARCH--NUCLEAR-FREE, CARBON-FREE CONTINGENT - NIRS

Nuclear Information and Resource Service - NIRS

whats up: NUCLEAR POWER AND CLIMATE: WHY NUKES CAN'T SAVE THE PLANET | PETITION: Take nuclear subsidies out of EPA carbon rules | CREDO Mobilize

whats up: #BustTheMyth
you can't nuke global warming!

WHATS UP

RC'S NUCLEAR BLOG • NO NUKES! | RE-TOOL NOW

WHATS UP RC'S NUCLEAR BLOG • NO NUKES! | RE-TOOL NOW

whats up: 9.21 PEOPLES CLIMATE MARCH, NYC: nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent | Nuclear-Free Carbon-Free

whats up: Decarbonising the world energy system without nuclear - The Ecologist

NUCLEAR POWER ADVOCATES BELIEVE THE TECHNOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL TO BUILDING A FOSSIL FUEL FREE WORLD ENERGY SYSTEM. IN FACT IT IS OPTIONAL, WRITES DAVID ELLIOTT - AND NOT EVEN VERY HELPFUL. EFFICIENCY AND THE 'NEW RENEWABLES' CAN DO THE JOB FASTER, AND AT MUCH LOWER COST.

We can head for a near 100% renewable future should we wish. The key questions are how quickly can, should or must we do that?

Renewable energy is doing well around the world - supplying around 22% of global electricity.

In 2013, the world achieved 1,560 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity generation capacity - almost five times more than the 331 GW of nuclear generation capacity. And where nuclear power supplied 11% of the world's electricity, renewables about twice as much.

Hydro is the biggest electricity supplying renewable, with around 1,000GW of generation capacity in place. Wind comes next at 318GW, while PV solar is at around 139GW globally. And on the heat side, along with biomass use, solar thermal is now at 326GW, much of it in China.

Will renewables continue to grow? Globally, the recession hit all investment, and total global investment in 'clean energy' of all sorts fell 9% in 2013 to $254bn, following a 9% drop in 2012, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Renewables take 72% share of new generating capacity

But within that, renewables have held up quite well. The REN21 group says 2013 marked the sixth consecutive year in which renewables had the majority share of new electricity generating capacity, with a 72% share in 2013...

more: Decarbonising the world energy system without nuclear - The Ecologist

whats up: #BustTheMyth
you can't nuke global warming!

WHATS UP

RC'S NUCLEAR BLOG • NO NUKES! | RE-TOOL NOW

WHATS UP RC'S NUCLEAR BLOG • NO NUKES! | RE-TOOL NOW

New Baucus tax proposal takes an Orwellian approach: would redefine dirty energy as clean

PRESS RELEASE ---

NEWS FROM NIRS

NUCLEAR INFORMATION AND RESOURCE SERVICE

6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 340, Takoma Park, MD 20912 

301-270-NIRS (301-270-6477); Fax: 301-270-4291 

nirsnet@nirs.org; www.nirs.org

For Immediate Release
Contact:
  Michael Mariotte, 301-325-8014 (mobile)
Tim Judson, 301-270-6477

December 20, 2013

New Baucus tax proposal takes an Orwellian approach: would redefine dirty energy as clean

The nation’s leading tax code writer, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D- MT), Wednesday unveiled a radical proposal to revise the nation’s energy policy through the tax code.

The draft bill introduced by Sen. Baucus would end forty-two different tax incentives for the energy industry, projected to cost $150 billion. In their place, it would create “technology-neutral” incentives for energy projects that meet a narrow standard for carbon emission reductions. However, the bill would also end incentives that promote energy efficiency improvements and zero-emissions vehicles, by definition two of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gases. At the same time, by focusing solely on carbon, Sen. Baucus’s proposal would continue to subsidize other toxic and polluting energy sources, such as nuclear power and natural gas.

“I think they coined the phrase ‘throwing the baby out with the bath water’ just for ideas like this,” said Tim Judson, NIRS’ Associate Director. “Tax breaks for the oil and coal industries are irresponsible, unnecessary and counterproductive, but so are subsidies for nuclear power and natural gas. Cutting tax breaks to help people make their homes more energy efficient and giving those dollars to companies to make radioactive waste is simply wrong-minded and counter-productive.”

“We’re getting a little tired of politicians, not to mention self-serving industries, who argue that the only pollutant of concern in the world is carbon,” said Michael Mariotte, executive director of NIRS. “Nuclear power inherently brings with it plutonium, strontium, cesium and the whole alphabet soup of poisonous radionuclides that are released routinely intoour air and water; that form one of our world’s largest unsolved environmental problems— safely managing radioactive waste; and that can at any moment be unleased in a catastrophic accident.”

“Our climate condition is a crisis,” Mariotte added. “But the solution is not to subsidize dirty energy technologies, nor try to portray them as somehow clean. It’s really not hard: we need to renew the tax credits for genuinely clean renewable energy sources like wind and solar, provide greater encouragement for energy efficiency measures, incentivize distributed generation—especially rooftop solar; and support already rapidly-improving energy storage. The clean energy technologies of the 21st century that can quickly and affordably reduce carbon emissions are here: it’s time to take advantage of them.

***

Please act now and tell your Senators: No tax breaks for dirty nuclear power.

sign the petition!

see also
LETTER FROM MICHAEL MARIOTTE 
Executive Director, Nuclear Information and Resource Service; December 20, 2013
> whats up: Tell your Senators: No tax breaks for dirty nuclear power | NIRS

Filmmaker Robert Stone, Other Pro-Nuke Advocates Should Make Expedition to Fukushima | Common Dreams

by Harvey Wasserman

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in a scene from PANDORA’S PROMISE. (Image credit: Courtesy of Robert Stone for CNN)

We are in desperate need of documentary filmmakers at Fukushima.

The Japanese government is about to pass a national censorship law clearly meant to make it impossible to know what’s going on there.

Massive quantities of radioactive water have been flowing through the site since the 3/11/11 earthquake/tsunami.

At thousand flimsy tanks hold still more thousands of tons of radioactive water which would pour into the Pacific should they collapse.

An earthquake and two typhoons have have just hit there, flushing still more radioactive water into the sea.

The corrupt and incompetent Tokyo Electric Power Company will soon try moving 400 tons of supremely radioactive rods from a damaged Unit Four fuel pool, an operation that could easily end in global catastrophe. The rods contain 14,000 times as much radioactive cesium as was released at the bombing of Hiroshima.

Nobody knows the exact location of the melted cores from Units One, Two and Three or whether they are still fissioning.

Reuters and others report criminal involvement, slashed wages, inhuman working conditions, serious shortages and lack of training in what has become an extremely dangerous labor crisis.

Intensely radioactive hotspots have turned up throughout Japan, including some that threaten human life in Tokyo and make cast a pall on the upcoming Olympics.

At least one report indicates a massive dead zone in the Pacific apparently caused by radiation pouring in from the site. Tuna contaminated with radiation from Fukushima have been caught off the California coast, and there are widespread reports other marine life disappearing throughout the Pacific.

With the information flow from Fukushima apparently about to go dark, the presence of independent media and researchers has become more critical than ever.

Petitions with more than 140,000 signatures asking for a global takeover of the Fukushima site will be delivered to the United Nations November 7. The ask is for a transnational team of world’s best scientists and engineers to guarantee that all necessary resources are available to deal with this crisis.

Robert Stone has made a high budget dis-infomercial sponsored by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, whose cohort Bill Gates has bet heavily on new nukes. Called “Pandora’s Promise,” Stone’s promoters have refused to send us a review copy. We’re told it mocks industry opponents without actually interviewing them, while downplaying the killing power of atomic radiation. It’s scheduled to air on CNN without a balancing point of view.

Here is the film's trailer:

A trip to Fukushima might change Stone’s mind. He’s worked in the past with Michael Moore, one of our greatest investigative documentarians. Using Michael’s aggressive techniques, we want him to bring back critical information that could make a difference.

At very least we desperately need to know more about the11,000 intensely radioactive fuel rods on site, the three missing reactor cores, the proposed bring-down of the Unit Four fuel rods, the potential for still more explosions, the labor crisis, the unending flow of potentially lethal radiation into the biosphere, and much more.

The fate of the Earth may now hang at the mercy of a widely distrusted corporation and far-right government intent on blacking out that site.

Dr. James Hansen, an important climate scientist, has expressed his support for atomic energy, and would make a fitting co-worker on this trip.

Along the way, Mr. Stone, you might check out Japan’s massive new offshore wind turbines whose promise is to replace all the reactors this disaster has forced shut.

But as a hired industry gun, you need above all to tell us what’s happening at Fukushima...before the lights go out.

Our future could well depend on how honestly you undertake this critical task. Please report back as soon as possible.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License

Harvey Wasserman's Solartopia Green Power & Wellness Show is at www.progressiveradionetwork.com, and he editswww.nukefree.org. Harvey Wasserman's History of the US and Solartopia! Our Green-Powered Earth are at www.harveywasserman.com along with Passions of the PotSmoking Patriots by "Thomas Paine."  He and Bob Fitrakis have co-authored four books on election protection, including How the GOP Stole America's 2004 Election, at www.freepress.org.

Filmmaker Robert Stone, Other Pro-Nuke Advocates Should Make Expedition to Fukushima | Common Dreams