Momentum for Nuclear Spending Cuts Is Building

On Tuesday, December 4th, Representative Edward Markey (D-MA) released a letter signed by 45 Congressional leaders outlining cuts that could save our nation much needed money by reducing our nuclear arsenal along with our Cold War baggage. Our spending reflects our priorities and wasting billions on nuclear weapons over rebuilding our economy does not reflect a wise choice for maintaining America's competitiveness in the future.

Stepping Back from the Fiscal Cliff

Issues critical to PSR are threatened by the "fiscal cliff" -- proposed sweeping cuts in the federal budget. Contact your Member of Congress or local newspaper today to call for a budget that protects human health and survival:

Reduce unnecessary expenditures on old-fashioned weapons systems.

Save money by reducing subsidies to the nuclear industry.

Prevent asthma, cancer and stroke from air pollution -- don't cut the EPA.

Environmental Health Policy Institute Addresses Radiation and Health

Power shouldn't be poisonous. That simple belief undergirds PSR's latest Environmental Health Policy Institute, which examines the implications of radiation exposure from accidents at nuclear reactors. What are the health threats from radiation? Is there is a "safe" exposure level? How serious was the accident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant? In case of a nuclear accident, is evacuation feasible? And what should we do about the toxic spent fuels accumulating at each of America's 103 active nuclear power reactors?

Activists Rally Against Coal Export in Salem, Oregon

More than 100 activists from Oregon PSR and other groups rallied Tuesday to oppose a proposed dock for coal barges on the Columbia River in Oregon. Oregon PSR's Dr. Andy Harris spoke at the rally, citing the health effects of coal dust and air pollution. The state will decide by December 12 whether to issue a permit for the dock.

Dr. Harris is the founder and director of Professionals' Training in Global Health at Oregon Health & Science University’s Global Health Center. He is a board certified ophthalmologist, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Casey Eye Institute, and a Clinical Correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

Washington PSR Hosts Annual Dinner

WPSR recently hosted its annual dinner in Seattle, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Holly M. Barker (pictured) of the University of Washington speaking on "Justice, Climate Change & Nuclear Energy."

Ready to Talk about Climate Change?

Hurricane Sandy pounded first the Caribbean and then a huge swath of the US with rain, high winds and flooding. The overall death toll is nearing 100; economic costs are still to be counted. Will this monster storm be the evidence that finally convinces the American people that climate change is real? Read our latest blog post on the need to understand that extreme weather events are the outcome of burning fossil fuels.

News You May Have Missed in 2012: Nuclear Reactors Vulnerable in Hurricane, Storm Surge

The unprecedented storm that hit the northeast last October threatened 16 nuclear reactors in its path, including Oyster Creek, Hope Creek and Salem in New Jersey; Indian Point in New York; Millstone in Connecticut; and Vermont Yankee.

New reports explain further the vulnerabilities of nuclear reactors and the risk they pose to the public’s health and safety.

Dr. Andy Kanter Speaks to PSR Hershey Students

Members of the Penn State Hershey medical student chapter recently welcomed PSR Board President Andy Kanter, MD MPH to the Harrisburg Hershey area for student meetings and the chapter's annual dinner. Dr. Kanter's message of global concern and his commitment to promoting the role of physicians in healing our world resonated with students and long-term members alike.

USF Students Teach Grade School Kids About Gardening and Nutrition

The University of South Florida’s Student PSR chapter recently co-sponsored an event to plant a number of Earth Box container gardens, filled with healthy produce from squash to string beans, to a local Tampa elementary school. The experience empowers the K-2nd graders to learn about more where their food comes from as well as getting them excited to try new foods and make healthier choices. Check out this great student blog to see more!

Chapter Leaders Conference

PSR chapter leaders will come together in Tampa, Florida February 8-9 for the 2013 PSR Chapter Leaders Conference. Chapter leaders will share information and gain new knowledge about program and administrative effectiveness, facilitate ongoing relationships between and among attendees, and encourage synergy with regard to sharing ideas as well as cost savings.

The story behind Harrisburg's Peace Garden

"Walk along its paths and you will see, sprinkled throughout the beds and under the trees, a number of bronze plaques bearing words of wisdom from some of the world’s most highly esteemed statesmen, religious figures and ordinary citizens." 

For more than 20 years Harrisburg-PSR and The City of Harrisburg collaborate to bring a message to their community, peace.  An Op-ed in the Patriot-News tells the story behind Harrisburg's Peace Garden. 

Debates Offer Opportunity to Weigh Candidates’ Positions

As the presidential campaign continues, PSR members are asking for a real debate on the environment, nuclear weapons, and the future of our energy policy. On Monday, October 22nd, dozens of PSR members joined us on Facebook to discuss these issues and the candidates' responses live during the debate. Before you cast your ballot Nov. 6, look for answers from the Presidential candidates on these key questions.

Health Expert Speaks in Muscatine, Iowa

In an event co-sponsored by PSR Iowa and Clean Air Muscatine, pediatrician and clean air advocate Dr. Yolanda Whyte recently spoke about creating a healthy environment at Musser Public Library in Muscatine, Iowa. Dr. Whyte’s experience serving rural communities and on medical missions informs her activism. Committed to inspiring others to take action, she will describe what we can all do to address air pollution, water quality, food quality and safe chemicals.

Dr. Whyte was joined by Native American Environmental Advocate Elsa Johnson and Dr. Balasubrimanium from India.

Obama addresses escalating tensions with Iran at UN

In remarks to the United Nations on Tuesday, September 25th, President Obama addressed the escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. As some political leaders in the United States and Israel try to build the case for a military strike, Obama said, "Let me be clear: America wants to resolve this issue through diplomacy, and we believe that there is still time and space to do so. But that time is not unlimited." Take action to help us ensure the United States stays committed to a diplomatic solution to this conflict.

Student PSR News from 2012: Chapters Welcome New Members

As medical schools welcomed students back to school in September, Student PSR chapters were busy signing up new members and making plans for the coming year. Although faced with hectic schedules and demanding course work, these medical students make time to blend their commitment to healing with a sense of caring for the larger world. SPSR provides opportunities to work side-by-side with classmates, faculty and other physicians who share the same values.  For more information check our student pages or contact Mathias Pollock.

PSR Raises “Health Voices for Clean Air”

PSR board member and senior scientist Alan Lockwood, MD FAAN, spoke recently at Michigan's Green Healthcare Conference as part of PSR's "Health Voices for Clean Air" fall campaign. Dr. Lockwood, who recently authored The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health, participated in a panel presentation on health professional advocacy for environmental and public health measures through cleaner energy. He discussed how vital clean air is to our health and the importance of replacing coal-fired power with cleaner energy sources.

Inspire, Engage, and Empower the Next 50 Years

Join us as we gather to celebrate past accomplishments and work to shape the future of the PSR movement. Keep us proactive. Come help advance PSR's agenda during a time of a larger nation-wide and global change. On September 23 in Boston and September 24 in New York City, we are hosting membership building events to inspire and engage our work on the nuclear abolition movement and to expand both our student and chapter networks. 

Stronger Steps Needed to Protect Us from Particulate Pollution

Particulate matter air pollution -- ranging from soot to microscopic particles invisible to the human eye -- contributes to the four leading causes of death in the United States. It is particularly dangerous to children, the unborn, and the elderly. The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new rules to reduce particulate pollution. Read in our latest Environmental Health Policy Institute just what the threats to health are, and why PSR is urging EPA to take stronger steps than they are currently considering.

PSR Leaders Meet in Hiroshima, Japan

An impressive delegation of PSR leaders were recently in Japan representing YOU at important meetings where organizers from around the globe gathered to build a diverse movement for nuclear weapons abolition. Follow their journey by reading our delegation’s personal and political reflections in our new blog series. Join the conversation by adding your voice to their stories.

Climate Change Bike Tour Reaches Wisconsin

Dr. Wendy Ring, a California physician and long-time member of PSR, is biking across the northern states of the U.S. to raise awareness about climate change.  Dr. Ring exemplifies the great PSR tradition of physician advocacy, and we are absolutely delighted to be part of the team of organizations and individuals promoting her tour and supporting her efforts.  She was in Madison, Wisconsin last week for a full schedule of events, and is now headed for Bay City, Michigan followed by Cleveland, Ohio.