Number: 1979-30
WHEREAS, new information has come to light regarding the health and safety aspects of nuclear generators, specifically NRC’s repudiation of significant portions of the Rassmussen report and the recent findings regarding the health hazards of low levels of irradiation which debunk safety assurances made previously by the AEC; and
WHEREAS, energy bureaucrats and nuclear vendors persist in lauding fission as a safe, economical source of energy for commercial electrical generation; and
WHEREAS, public confidence in the need for this technical approach has been severely eroded at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, proponents have not found a satisfactory means of disposing of nuclear waste despite decades of intensive research; and
WHEREAS, the threat of nuclear terrorism and sabotage with the resulting widespread radioactive contamination are very real concerns in today’s world; and
WHEREAS, the availability of reasonably priced uranium ore discounts further reliance upon fission for expanded electrical generation; and
WHEREAS, cost overruns and other economic factors make electricity produced in this fashion excessively costly and inflationary; and
WHEREAS, siting and pollution problems further point to the degradation of the environment by nuclear generators;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 22-25, 1979, in Toronto, Ontario, strongly urges the Administration and Congress to place a moratorium on the licensing and construction of new nuclear generating facilities until such time as the health, safety, waste disposal and economic viability of these reactors have been resolved to the satisfaction of the Congress of the United States.