As the energy crisis in California has unfolded, the accuracy of those words from "What the 1987 Stock Market Crash Foretold," printed in New International no. 10 and distributed by Pathfinder Press, has been confirmed. In an attempt to take advantage of the widespread anger at blackouts and rising prices, various politicians, opinion columnists, energy "experts," and nuclear power advocates have spoken up more boldly in favor of nuclear power than they have dared to for years.

These individuals claim that nuclear reactors offer the safest and most environmentally friendly method of producing electricity. But nuclear power is not a straightforward alternative to oil, coal, and other methods of power generation. It is inherently dangerous. Radiation produced in every step of the nuclear production cycle, from mining to waste disposal, is poisonous even in small quantities. If containment fails, as it inevitably threatens to do, then potentially fatal radiation can be released in sufficient quantities to endanger the health and lives of many thousands of people--including generations not yet born.

Three Mile Island in the United States and Chernobyl in Ukraine are the two best known sites of major accidents involving nuclear power facilities. Along with the toll of illness and disease they caused, these catastrophes helped raise popular understanding of the dangers of nuclear power. They contributed to the deep opposition to the technology that developed among working people. In the face of this opposition, the capitalists had to scale back and eventually shelve most of their plans for construction of new plants. They also had to put aside their hopes that nuclear power would drive down the costs of electricity and foster a major long-term boost in profits.

As the bosses step up their efforts to rehabilitate nuclear power, workers and farmers should acquaint themselves and others with the truth about this lethal technology. In this regard, the publication What Working People Should Know About the Dangers of Nuclear Power, written by Fred Halstead and first published by Pathfinder Press in 1979, is a particularly effective resource. In the pamphlet, Halstead concisely explains the scientific facts and the political issues bound up in the debate.

The labor movement today should take the lead and speak out in the interests of all working people. On this issue they should demand that all plans for construction of new plants be scrapped. All nuclear power plants in use or in mothballs must be decommissioned. Decision-making over energy sources must be taken out of the hands of the profit-mongers: Nationalize the energy industry!
 
 
Related article:
Opposition to nuclear power blocked rulers' plans  
 
 
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