The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Matthew Cain, 202-222-0751, mcain@foe.org
Nick Berning, 202-222-0748, nberning@foe.org

Task Force Calls for Sweeping Safety Upgrades at US Reactors to Reduce Meltdown Risk

90-day post-Fukushima review exposes dangers in existing U.S. reactor fleet, has implications for proposed new reactors such as Westinghouse’s AP1000

WASHINGTON

A task force established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the wake of the post-tsunami nuclear disaster in Japan today released sweeping recommendations for regulatory changes needed for safer operation of existing nuclear reactor facilities and new reactor designs in the United States.

Tom Clements, a nuclear expert with Friends of the Earth, had the following response:

"These recommendations are far-reaching and have significant implications for regulations for existing reactors as well as reactor designs now under review. In short, the task force found that existing standards are inadequate to protect the public from catastrophic meltdowns and dangerous radiation releases.

"In order to protect the public from disasters like the one in Japan, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must act with due haste to strengthen safety standards for both operating and new reactor designs. The report's correct focus on the impact of severe accidents and lack of coherent regulations in dealing with them necessitates a revision of current regulations as soon as possible.

"The development and implementation of new regulations will no doubt be costly for the nuclear industry and impact licensing of new reactors under consideration, but it is imperative that the report be taken seriously and that its recommendations be acted on immediately. The report's affirmation that a 'defense-in-depth' philosophy must guide the future regulatory structure should immediately impact the review of the Westinghouse AP1000 design, which lacks a robust secondary containment structure over the thin steel shell containing the reactor pressure vessel. The AP1000 design is currently being considered for use in several new reactors in the United States.

Friends of the Earth fights for a more healthy and just world. Together we speak truth to power and expose those who endanger the health of people and the planet for corporate profit. We organize to build long-term political power and campaign to change the rules of our economic and political systems that create injustice and destroy nature.

(202) 783-7400