[cdn-nucl-l] Nuclear Energy Priority

[Randal Leavitt <randal.leavitt@rogers.com>]

To: sustaindev@nrcan.gc.ca

Hello All...

I just discovered your document on the web:  	

Sustainable Development Strategy – Moving Forward
http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/sd-dd/pubs/strat2004/PDFs/sds2004.pdf

I really have to comment on some aspects of this document.

On page 47 the document states:

"Nuclear-generated electricity results in radioactive waste that must
be managed for the long term. The development of a long-term
management solution for nuclear fuel waste involves a consultative
process among Canadians."

Since there is no waste produced by a CANDU reactor, the above
statement is very mystifying.  Nuclear fuel that has been used once
can be reused again.  The fact that we store this fuel as a reusable
resource does not make it a waste product.  Every gram of material
that goes into a reactor is accounted for.  None of it is thrown away.
  There is no waste.  And it represent a valuable energy reserve that
can power our economy for hundreds of years.  Why do you denigrate
this priceless energy reserve as "waste"?

And you also describe this material as "radioactive".  I detect a
negative connotation in that description.  The latest research has
shown that the results of low dose radiation can be very beneficial.
I think you should reflect this positive characteristic in your
descriptions.

Overall, your document does not project a very aggressive promotion of
nuclear energy.  Given that our CANDU reactors do not release green
house gases, and that they are inexpensive, safe, and reliable, would
it not be more reasonable to promote this Canadian technology that
just might offer the world a way through the global warming crisis?

-- 
================================================
Randal Leavitt        gnupg public key: bbbad04d
Registered User 267646 at http://counter.li.org/