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On Our Radar
The Fukushima nuclear disaster highlights the inherent risks associated with nuclear reactors. Today, nearly six months later, the reactors are still not in cold shutdown. In August, radiation levels at the station were at some of the highest levels yet, 10,000 mSv an hour. Some 27,800 households in Fukushima prefecture have been evacuated. |

Construction Costs
Government Subsidies and Loan Guarantees
Reprocessing
The Myth of the French Model
Proliferation Risks
Uranium Mining
Safety
Radiation and Health
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
A comparison of the U.S. and French experiences with nuclear reactor construction. Effectively debunks the "French miracle" mythology by showing both a historical and contemporary pattern of cost escalation and 'crowding out' of alternative energy sources in both the French and U.S. experience with nuclear reactors. Read more »
How does a 'model nuclear project' go from done deal to dead-on-arrival? This timeline explores how the South Texas project, once hailed as the leader of the 'nuclear renaissance' was injured by skyrocketing costs, secrets, and scandal. Read more »
Government Subsidies and Loan Guarantees
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
The Congressional Budget Office has found that the the US Government is undercharging applicants for nuclear loan guarantees, putting taxpayers at huge risk. The fees charged to applicants by the US government are significantly lower than what would be charged in the private sector. Read more »
A briefing book containing materials on the economics of nuclear reactors for members of the 112th Congress. Read more »
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
In 2010, after ending the failed Yucca Mountain project, President Obama convened a commission to make recommendations for managing US high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future (BRC) has held meetings for the past year and a half, and in July completed a draft report. They are now having meetings around the country to discuss their recommendations with the public. The following main points summarize PSR's position on some of their conclusions. Read more »
(September 2006) An academic report by the International Panel on Fissile Materials on the proliferation, economic, and safety risks posed by Japan's reprocessing program. Read more »
(August 2010) A translation of the scathing report issued by former French government official, Francois Roussely, on EDF, the fissures in the French nuclear industry and the dismal prospects for the EPR reactor design. Read more »
International Network of Engineers and Scientists Against Proliferation (April, 2008). Mycle Schneider, International Consultant on Energy and Nuclear Policy. A citation of the extreme control and secrecy governing civilian nuclear power in France. Read more »
Spiegel International (August 11, 2008) by Holger Dambeck. A discussion of recent nuclear accidents at Tricastin in France and their effect on French public opinion. Read more »
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
(February 2009) An academic report by the International Panel on Fissile Materials on the proliferation risks posed by reprocessing facilities and their management under an international fissile materials treaty. Read more »
(February 2010) an academic report by the International Panel on Fissile materials on the historic problems with fast breeder reactor programs. Read more »
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (July, 2005). A brief, scientific factsheet about uranium and its hazards. Read more »
(2007) A documentary clip that shows the degradation caused by uranium mining on the communities, environments, and health of indigenous people in the American Southwest. Read more »
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
In 2010, after ending the failed Yucca Mountain project, President Obama convened a commission to make recommendations for managing US high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future (BRC) has held meetings for the past year and a half, and in July completed a draft report. They are now having meetings around the country to discuss their recommendations with the public. The following main points summarize PSR's position on some of their conclusions. Read more »
A report by Dr. Robert Alvarez of the Institute for Policy Studies detailing the threat of a catastrophic release of radioactive materials from a spent fuel pool in the United States, which are typically filled with far more radioactive material than the reactors at Fukushima-Daiichi. Read more »
a basic factsheet about the risks of new nuclear reactors. Read more »
In 2010, after ending the failed Yucca Mountain project, President Obama convened a commission to make recommendations for managing US high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future (BRC) has held meetings for the past year and a half, and in July completed a draft report. They are now having meetings around the country to discuss their recommendations with the public. The following main points summarize PSR's position on some of their conclusions. Read more »