NUCLEAR NIMBY SPECIAL – Radioactive Waste Storage Crisis Targets New Mexico, West Texas:

Nuclear Hotseat hosted by Libbe HaLevy

Radioactive waste generated by U.S. nuclear reactors stands at over 80,000 TONS of the stuff – with nowhere safe to store it long-term. The nuclear industry is pushing hard for an ill-advised so-called “interim” storage site in either New Mexico or West Texas – or both. Recent hearings held by the House and Senate barely allowed the public to be heard, and more hearings are on their way. But what does it all mean to the people most immediately effected? Nuclear Hotseat’s Libbe HaLevy talks with four genuine experts on various aspects of the radioactive waste problem: Kevin Kamps, Nuclear Waste Specialist for Beyond Nuclear, gives the horrifying overview. Diane D’Arrigo, Radioactive Waste Project Director for Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS), goes into the legal issues and current manipulations being attempted by the nuclear industry. Leona Morgan, Nuclear Issues Study Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico, reveals what it’s like on-the-ground, protesting and working to raise public awareness. Karen Hadden, SEED (Sustainable Energy and Economic Development) Coalition, reports on the West Texas proposed site and how the state government is responding to industry pressure… and public outrage.