Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is making waves in energy circles after saying in March that nuclear power has "a great future" and that it is time to "relook at that issue again rather than just looking the other way and living in denial." http://mwcnews.net/content/view/21186/26/

The Alliance doesn't want California to live "in denial"; yet the Governor's statement belies the state's commitment to fully analyzing the costs, benefits and risks of aging nuclear plants before continuing to rely on this lethal generation source.

We ask you to please send a copy of the sample letter (see below) or similar letter to the Governor ASAP. Emailing the Governor is a two step process. Copy the letter you have edited with your name and address, then go to http://gov.ca.gov/interact. First, type your name, email and "Energy Proposals" in subject and hit "submit", then paste letter with your name and address and again "submit". Third, if you have time please cc your letter to the the Alliance at rochelle@a4nr.org.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I have been impressed with your support of alternative renewable power for California’s energy future. However, I am greatly concerned with recent media reports that you find new nuclear generation to be a “Great idea.”

Your administration has been extremely responsible in its efforts to understand the full ramifications of continuing down a nuclear path. Your support of AB 1632, requiring that the state analyze the full costs, benefits and risks of California’s continued reliance on aging reactors on our fragile coast, is most appreciated.

If you are truly considering nuclear power as a future energy source, I ask that you first provide to California residents the following information:

1) Where will the radioactive waste produced by daily operation of nuclear reactors be permanently and safely stored until it is no longer lethal?

2) Assuming waste ever leaves reactors sites, how will the federal government reimburse California for training and equipping of all first responders in counties across our state?

3) What will new reactors cost ratepayers (noting estimates for a new plant in Florida plant have tripled before ground is broken)?

4) With water resources getting scarcer and new state and federal policies moving to foreclose on the environmentally devastating use of seawater as coolant for power plants, how will new reactors be cooled?

5) And, above all, as we face the reality of global climate change, and in view of the fact that a dollar spent on energy efficiency cuts seven times as much greenhouse gas emissions as a dollar spent on nuclear power, why would we contemplate sinking more money into nuclear generation, thereby delaying investments in efficiency and renewable electricity, investments which cut carbon emissions faster and cheaper?

Without knowing what new reactors will cost and where the radioactive waste produced will be disposed of, how can more nuclear power plants be a "great idea"?

Thank you in advance for your consideration of and responses to these questions,

Name __________________________________
Address ________________________________
City ___________________________________

Related links:

http://levine.assembly-enews.com/mail/util.cfm?gpiv=1999907113.33716.33&gen=1