Monticello, MN (click here for map 😉) SavetheMississippi.com - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has long faced scrutiny for its cozy relationship with the nuclear industry. Now, this already concerning dynamic takes a dangerous turn. Powerful lobbies, including Microsoft and OpenAI, are leveraging their influence to funnel critical resources towards nuclear power. This unethical maneuver not only props up a technology riddled with safety concerns and unresolved waste issues, but it also appears to be influencing the very agency tasked with regulating it.

The NRC's susceptibility to industry influence raises a red flag the size of a reactor core. Weakened safety standards and an unfair advantage for nuclear power over genuine clean energy alternatives are just the tip of the iceberg. Countless communities, already grappling with the lasting damage inflicted by nuclear accidents, are now forced to witness the supposed watchdog turn cheerleader for the very industry they should be holding accountable. Documentaries pile up, chronicling the ongoing struggles of these communities, a stark reminder of the consequences when safety takes a backseat to profit. Here in Monticello, the threat is no longer a story on screen; it's unfolding literally across the street. The lack of transparency and disclosure, a key factor in the US Navy's poisoning thousands of residents at Red Hill, is now repeating here. This lack of transparency, as we've seen in the Federal Lawsuits against the Navy at Red Hill, only multiplies the dangers.

This blatant conflict of interest is a recipe for disaster. We cannot allow the NRC to become a promotional arm for the nuclear industry. The future of clean energy demands a level playing field, robust safety regulations, and a commitment to technologies that prioritize public health and environmental well-being.

The Price of Nuclear Power
Australia's cautious approach to nuclear power, driven by economic considerations and environmental concerns, serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of pursuing this energy source. Comparative studies consistently show that renewable energy sources like solar and wind offer a far more cost-effective solution than nuclear power, which is often burdened by high upfront costs, lengthy construction times, and unresolved waste management challenges.  

The United States also provides examples of the economic risks associated with nuclear power. The Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia and the V.C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station in South Carolina, both initiated in the 2000s, experienced significant cost overruns and delays, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the V.C. Summer project. These projects highlight the potential for unforeseen complications and financial burdens when undertaking large-scale nuclear construction.

Germany's successful transition away from nuclear power, fueled by safety concerns following the Fukushima disaster and a strong commitment to renewable energy, demonstrates that a nuclear-free future is not only feasible but also economically viable. By investing heavily in solar and wind power, Germany has been able to significantly reduce its carbon emissions while maintaining a stable and reliable energy supply.

These global experiences underscore the importance of carefully considering the economic, environmental, and safety implications before embarking on any nuclear power projects. Renewable energy sources offer a compelling alternative, providing cleaner, more affordable, and often more readily deployable solutions to meet the world's growing energy needs.

From Flint, to Red Hill, to 3M, and now the Mississippi River watershed

Flint, Michigan, stands as a stark reminder of what can befall communities along the Mississippi River if a larger, unchecked disaster occurs. There's no turning back from contamination on such a massive scale. The ongoing national and even global PFAS disaster with Minnesota based 3M serves as a warning: continuing with the status quo is a gamble we cannot afford to lose. The stakes are too high; nuclear power demands the utmost maturity, integrity, and accountability! Without these, it's not a source of clean energy, but a ticking time bomb or a massive “dirty bomb” planted right in our backyards, threatening our communities, our children, our very future.

We must not repeat history; we must evolve from our mistakes, we must act now to prevent irreversible catastrophe. This lack of transparency and integrity, a core injustice being displayed by the NRC, Xcel Energy, and similar actions being displayed at other sites around the country cannot be allowed to continue, especially when the stakes involve the immense power and potential for destruction of nuclear energy. Further, restarting dormant nuclear facilities like Three Mile Island and facilities with critical safety issues including Palisades in Michigan, which inspectors recently identified as having a long list of deficiencies, is a dangerous gamble we cannot afford to take.