Nuclear Neighborhoods: 11,000 Generations

PSR-Iowa is hosting an exhibit titled "Nuclear Neighborhoods: 11,000 Generations." This multi-media installation compiles artistic and scientific interpretations of our nuclear legacy and consists of art, photography, poetry, writings and memorabilia. Exhibits are running concurrently throughout August and September 2013. Don’t miss your chance to see the show that's been called "Impactful" and "Long overdue."

Florida Nuclear Power Project Cancelled

In a major victory for a green, clean energy future, Duke Energy has elected to pull the plug on its proposed Levy County nuclear project. PSR has led the efforts against this dangerous, expensive reactor. This is just a day after French nuclear giant Electricite de France (EDF) announced plans to pull out of the US nuclear market, just another sign that the 'nuclear renaissance' is a fallacy.

New Resources for Protection from “Fracking”

Hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" -- the extraction of natural gas or oil by injecting a highly pressurized mix of chemicals, water and sand deep underground -- is happening in many parts of the country. In many of those communities, people and even farm animals are exhibiting serious health effects that many associate with fracking. PSR's latest Environmental Health Policy Institute identifies some promising approaches and scientific resources to help secure policies that will protect their health.

Oregon PSR Founder Remembered

Elder Oregon PSR co-founder, Dr. Charlie Grossman died July 16, 2013.  Over his lifetime he was active in IPPNW and recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Peace Award, was on the national board of PSR and was awarded the Friendship Ambassador Award from China for his many trips and outreach between US citizens and China. Alongside his colleague Dr. Rudi Nussbaum, Dr. Grossman created Northwest Health Radiation Alliance to follow and document impacts of radiation on those who lived downwind from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Active up until his death, he will be remembered at the Oregon PSR Hiroshima Peace event.

PSR Expert Addresses Leaders in Israel

Dr. Ira Helfand met with members of the Knesset and other leaders in Israel to present new findings on the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons. As a nuclear weapons state, Israel plays a key role in negotiations over a weapons of mass destruction free zone in the Middle East as well as ongoing efforts to abolish nuclear weapons. In this video clip, Dr. Helfand and MK Feiglin debated about several issues related to the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons.

Do your PEACE Commemorating Hiroshima and Nagasaki

During the final stages of World War II in 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs decimating the cities of Hiroshima (August 6th) and Nagasaki (August 9th) in Japan. Within months of the two attacks, over 200,000 died with many more affected by blast injuries and radiation. We will not forget what happened. As we commemorate this event during the month of August, we will also take action so that history never repeats itself.

Will the “Chemical Safety Improvement Act” Offer Improvement?

U.S. law provides virtually no assurance that the manufactured products you buy are free from toxic chemicals.  Quite the contrary:  A huge number of products we use contain (and emit) toxins.  Now a bill has been introduced in Congress to provide protection.  But does it really protect us?  Are the terms of the “Chemical Safety Improvement Act” in fact too weak?  Read what leading chemical policy advocacy organizations say in our latest Environmental Health Policy Institute.

President Announces Climate Change Action Plan

Stating that “I refuse to condemn your generation and future generations to a planet that’s beyond fixing,” President Obama announced a “climate change action plan” designed to slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The plan would place a limit on carbon pollution from existing coal-fired power plants, multiply production of renewable energy, and increase energy efficiency. PSR supports these vital steps, which will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions significantly while giving us cleaner air to breathe. Now is the time to voice public support for these policies.

Join PSR Webinar on Climate Change and Extreme Heat

Most years, extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than does any other impact of climate change. Extreme heat can cause heat stroke, leading to coma and even death; increases ground-level ozone, potentially causing permanent lung damage; and increases mortality from preexisting conditions. Sign up for next Wednesday's webinar (June 26th at 7:30 pm EDT) to learn more, including how to advocate for a cool livable climate.

Obama Announces That the U.S. Will Pursue Further Reductions

At Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, President Obama outlined key initiatives in a speech addressing global challenges like the proliferation of nuclear weapons. One of the most significant announcements was the President’s declaration that the United States would work with Russia to pursue up to one-third reductions in our strategic nuclear arsenal. In making the case for bold action, President Obama said, "We may no longer live in fear of global annihilation, but so long as nuclear weapons exist, we are not truly safe."

California PSR Chapters Laud San Onofre Shutdown

The recent decision by Southern California Edison to shut down the dangerous San Onofre nuclear power plant was praised by PSR. In a joint press release, Denise Duffield of PSR-LA said, "The decision to permanently close the plant is a tremendous victory for the health and safety of Southern Californians." California PSR chapters and their allies have been raising awareness and calling for its closure over concern for the 8 million people living within a 50 mile radius of these two poorly functioning reactors situated on a fault line.

Indoor Pollution: How Bad Does It Get?

The indoor spaces where we spend so many hours of our lives may be seriously polluted. Whether it's home, office or school, the air may be laced with toxic chemicals off-gassing from carpets, furniture and paint; the cleaning products may be dangerous; the dust may contain asthma triggers, even arsenic. How bad is it, and what can you do about it? Read our latest Environmental Health Policy Institute to find out.

Oregon PSR Works to Stop Coal Exports in the Pacific Northwest

Proposed coal terminals in Washington and Oregon would export millions of tons of coal each year through the Columbia River Gorge via uncovered trains or barges. Oregon PSR is asking the Army Corps of Engineers to perform an Environmental Impact Statement for each proposal before permits are issued. Join them by sending a message today.

CUT the Bomb Worth Its Weight in Gold!

Despite substantial budget constraints, there is a push in Congress to allocate $10 billion on a wasteful and dangerous program to upgrade our nuclear weapons arsenal. PSR members are calling on legislators to cut the nuclear weapons budget, focusing especially on the B61 nuclear bomb upgrade. Spread the word and let your Congressional representatives know that you oppose nuclear weapons spending

Wyden’s Draft Nuclear Waste Bill fails to hit the mark

Senator Ron Wyden, chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, recently released a discussion draft nuclear waste bill that would seek to address the rising amounts of nuclear waste without a storage plan. This bill does not address the significant public health threat of the spent fuel pools in the intervening years before either permanent or temporary storage is arranged. The entire concept of Consolidated Interim Storage more than doubles the risk of transport and exposure to the American public. PSR submitted comments today calling for a new bill that would require safer on-site storage called Hardened On-Site Storage (HOSS). 

PSR "Clean Air Ambassadors" Meet with Congress, EPA

Twelve PSR leaders from across the country descended on Washington, DC recently to push for clean air, a livable climate, and reductions in toxic pollution from energy generation. They were part of "50 States United," a lobbying blitz that brought doctors, nurses, clergy, labor leaders, tribal leaders, parents and citizen activists to Washington from all 50 states.

PSR to Bank of America: Phase Out Loans to Coal Industry

Bank of America is the largest lender to the coal industry in the world. The carbon emissions associated with those loans are a major driver of climate change. PSR attended the BofA shareholders' meeting to tell shareholders, the Bank's board of directors and its CEO that they should phase out loans for coal mining and for coal-fired power plants. Those loans endanger our health, lives and planet.

PSR Co-Sponsors the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability DC Days

PSR, with a nation-wide coalition of activists, met with key lawmakers to advocate against dangerous spending on our nuclear arsenal and to address the waste issues of nuclear power. The billions wasted on the nuclear weapons complex sends the wrong message to the international community and jeopardizes our security. These key leaders helped hold the National Nuclear Security Agency accountable for the inadequate cleanup and irresponsible bloated spending. Read more about our recommendations for this budget season.

PSR DC Metro Area Chapter Hosts a Showing of "A Walk in the Woods" Play

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play details an exchange between a U.S. and Soviet Union negotiator for a nuclear arms control agreement. With increasing interest in the international community in nuclear disarmament, the play's perspective on the politics of these negotiations is timely.

Watch this video of the discussion held after the play, led by nuclear weapons negotiator Ed Ifft, PhD and DC Chapter president Dr. Mohammad Khalid.

Check Out PSR’s New Climate Change Flyer!

Summarizing the health impacts of the ~1.4 degree average temperature increase over the past century, this great resource developed by PSR volunteers Bruni Estrada and Daniel Pizarro tells the basic story of climate change; from what is happening and how humans are causing it, to what we can do to turn the tide on the climate crisis.