Number: 1976-17
WHEREAS, with the passage of time the expanding needs for energy have increased with our population and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the projection of world petroleum reserves indicate they will be depleted within the next fifty years; and
WHEREAS, many new sources of energy are needed to maintain our future economic well-being; and
WHEREAS, potentials for new sources of energy such as geothermal, solar, wind, nuclear, and expanded fossil fuel usage are being actively researched by the technological segment of our society; and
WHEREAS, research into alternative energy sources suggests that ways of providing necessary energy from renewable sources or fusion may be economically competitive with conventional fission and fossil-fueled plants; but, on the other hand,
WHEREAS, substantial financial investments have been made in existing nuclear plants and those already in the construction stage; and
WHEREAS, severe economic dislocation would be caused by shutting down existing nuclear power plants and abandoning those under construction;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 19-21, 1976, in Louisville, Ky., hereby calls upon the federal government to emphasize its research and regulatory control with special emphasis placed on:
- spent fuel storage and re-processing;
- use of plutoninum as a fuel ingredient, and
- protection of the biosphere from long-term radioactive waste products; to emphasize the safety programs and necessary research on nuclear power; to maintain a vigilant monitoring program to ensure that nuclear power is used in a way which is consistent with desirable environmental, social, and economic values; and to accelerate its research and development on all energy sources which have the least adverse impacts on the environment.