Topic: Union of Concerned Scientists
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How dangerous is nuclear power? Three lessons from Japan.
The devastated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has become the latest poster child for long-standing issues surrounding nuclear energy – issues that need to be resolved to reduce the risk of a similar nuclear crisis in the United States.
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Nuclear safety: Five recent 'near miss' incidents at US nuclear power plants
Fourteen safety-related events at nuclear power plants required follow-up inspections from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the NRC reported in 2010. These "near-miss" events "raised the risk of damage to the reactor core – and thus to the safety of workers and the public," concluded a new report, "The NRC and Nuclear Power Plant Safety in 2010," by the Union of Concerned Scientists. Here are five of these 14 "near miss" examples:
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Energy Voices
Food vs. fuel debate: It's about much more than cornCellulosic biofuels aren't ready for prime time. So the EPA should reduce the 2013 mandates for biofuels, not only for cellulosic but also for corn and other food-based biofuels.
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North Korea rocket test shows long road to credible missiles
Experts say Pyongyang is years from even having a shot at developing reliable missiles that could bombard distant targets, though it did gain attention and the outrage of world leaders with its first successful launch of a three-stage, long-range rocket.
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Nations extend weaker Kyoto Protocol
UN climate conference approves extending Kyoto global-warming agreement through 2020. But new Kyoto phase will cover only 15 percent of greenhouse gases.
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North Korea rocket preparations: Could it be a bluff?
There are questions about whether North Korean scientists have corrected whatever caused the embarrassing crackup of its last rocket shortly after liftoff in April, and whether Pyongyang is willing to risk another failure — along with UN condemnation and more sanctions.
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Energy Voices
Report: hundreds of US coal-fired plants 'ripe for retirement'Over 300 coal-fired electricity plants in the country should be retired due to their extreme age, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
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Focus
Japan's nuclear dilemma: What to do with all that nuclear waste?Japanese citizens are balking at the lack of information and supervision of waste stored in public places, such as playgrounds.
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Nuclear waste: why environmentalists are pressing NRC on reactor licenses
After a US appeals court ruled the NRC had not adequately evaluated nuclear waste provisions when licensing reactors, the groups are seeking to ensure the public has input on the process.
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NRC chairman resigns amid battle over lessons from Fukushima
In his three years as chairman, Gregory Jaczko wrangled with other NRC members over the direction of nuclear power plant safety regulations and over his leadership style.
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In Gear
Do hybrids save money? Website lets you calculate it.Hybrids cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate than nonhybrids. The federal government has launched FuelEconomy.gov so consumers can calculate the payback period for buying a hybrid.
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Why new North Korea missiles are fakes
The new North Korea missiles - carried on the biggest mobile launchers ever seen - are fakes, say arms control experts. The KN-08 missiles, displayed during a parade, raised false concerns that North Korea may be getting closer to building intercontinental ballistic missiles.
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Electric cars: Big climate aid in L.A., but not Wichita
Electric cars benefit the climate depending on where they're plugged in. In some cities, electric cars do no better than high-mileage gasoline-powered cars.
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Chevy Volt comeback: gas prices spur best-ever monthly sales
GM had temporarily closed a Chevy Volt plant because of slack demand. But that changed in March with a record 2,289 units sold. GM's new target: 3,000 a month.
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Year after Fukushima, US plodding on nuclear plant fixes, watchdog says
The Union of Concerned Scientists lauds the NRC for its initial reaction to the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, but warns it is dragging its feet on safety recommendations for US nuclear plants.
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Climategate sequel? Scientist lies to get Heartland Institute documents.
Climate scientist, Peter Gleick, lied to acquire – then leak to the press – documents from the Heartland Institute, an organization that argues that global warming poses no threat.
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Nuclear power: NRC approves first new reactors since 1978
The NRC, America's nuclear power regulatory board, has given the go ahead to two new reactors in Georgia. Industry advocates call the decision 'historic,' but it had a prominent critic.
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Q&A: Illinois nuclear plant loses power. What got vented into the air?
A nuclear plant in Illinois shut down one reactor Monday after a transformer failed. The problem is growing for aging nuclear plants. But in this case, the public was never in danger, officials say.
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Fight among nation's top nuclear regulators gets airing before Congress
At the heart of the fight is Gregory Jaczko, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who is under fire for his management style as the agency weighed safety improvements after the Fukushima disaster.
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The climate news is bad, but prospects for climate talks may be worse
UN-sponsored climate talks opened Monday in South Africa amid grim news on global warming and deeply divisive questions over how, or whether, to expand or extend the Kyoto Protocol.
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Fuel economy: Big leap for efficiency, not hybrids
Fuel economy is headed to an average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. But higher fuel economy standards won't force an end to the gasoline engine.
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How to store nuclear waste? Panel slams US and urges new approach.
A presidential blue ribbon commission says the US government 'has not inspired confidence' and recommends that a new agency take over the search for storage sites for nuclear waste.
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Fuel efficiency: Will new rules cure US addiction to foreign oil?
President Obama on Friday unveiled fuel-efficiency standards of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 – a significant step in dealing with emissions and oil consumption.
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Detroit goes green? Carmakers must average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025
Automakers must improve their mileage every year, up to a fleet-wide average of 54.5 mpg in 14 years. Green groups praise the new regulations, while opponents call them job-killers.
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Nuclear safety review: how US plants could handle a Fukushima-type event
A task force convened by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after the Fukushima disaster offered a dozen major recommendations in its report, released Wednesday.
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Missouri River soaks Nebraska nuclear plant, but it's no Fukushima
Much of the grounds at Fort Calhoun nuclear plant in Nebraska are under two feet of water from the rising Missouri River. But the plant's critical systems sit six feet above the flood's expected crest.
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NRC hearing raises questions about safety at nuclear plants
A hearing of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) pointed to apparent weaknesses in the regulation of nuclear plants.
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