Evacuation Plans

Number: 1980-50

 

WHEREAS, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has expressed its concerns about possible needs to evacuate persons from hazard zones in the event of radiation releases from nuclear power plants; and

WHEREAS, these concerns have been shared with governmental and utility management authorities at national, state, and local levels; and

WHEREAS, the development of effective evacuation plans is a time-consuming and costly endeavor which would impose a severe financial burden on state and local governmental entities and utilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby expresses its firm conviction that any nuclear power plants built in the future should be located away from densely populated areas, wildlife sanctuaries or management areas, and that the expense of preparing radiation evacuation contingency plans is a rightful responsibility which should be borne by the responsible utility and not by the local governments.