The Committee to Bridge the Gap has published an important new report that concludes that "unless concerted steps are taken now to help the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe move from reliance on inadequately designed and operated atomic plants, the chances of another Chernobyl are unacceptably high."
The report, which examines nuclear power and alternative energy in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, was written by nuclear and foreign affairs expert Bennett Ramberg.
The report criticizes the U.S. for failing to provide enough aid to prevent another serious nuclear accident, but also notes that former Eastern economies are tremendously energy inefficient, and huge gains (and reactor shutdowns) could be achieved by implementation of standard Western energy efficiency measures.
Contact the Committee to Bridge the Gap, 1637 Butler Avenue, Suite 203, Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310-478-0829 for more information.
The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) has released a new study which states that nuclear safety in the U.S. "was compromised in the quest for a Cold War propaganda advantage over the Soviet Union."
The book-length study, "Nuclear Power Deception: U.S. Nuclear Mythology from Electricity 'Too Cheap to Meter' to 'Inherently Safe' Reactors" is a major indictment of the commercial nuclear power industry, and a bit of a departure for IEER, which has focused primarily on nuclear waste and weapons production issues.
Get more info from IEER, 6935 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912; 301-270-5500; fax: 301-270-3029; e-mail: ieer@igc.apc.org
Dr. Jay Gould's latest book, The Enemy Within: The High Cost of Living Near Nuclear Reactors, has just been published by Four Walls Eight Windows Press.
In it, Gould, who wrote Deadly Deceit, examined National Cancer Institute, Center for Disease Control, and state health data for 60 nuclear sites in existence in 1981. He found statistically significant increases in breast cancer in counties near 55 of the 60 sites. Other health issues are also covered in the book.
Of particular use to activists are maps and charts for each of the 60 sites, as well as an appendix detailing the methodology of the study and how it can be replicated. The Radiation and Public Health Project, with which Dr. Gould is affiliated, is willing to assist local groups with further studies.
The book is $14.95 in trade paperback. For more information on purchasing copies or helping get it into your local bookstores, contact Four Walls Eight Windows Press at 212-206-8965.