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Can you believe that anybody can write this after Fukushima?

 Von: Jeff Denham ...mailto removed ...
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 9. Juni 2011 18:40
An: software@akosgmbh.de
Betreff: Reply from Congressman Jeff Denham

 

 

 

  June 9, 2011 

Dear Dr. Kos,  

Thank you for contacting me regarding nuclear energy infrastructure in the United States. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on the safety and security of U.S. nuclear reactors.  

The Japanese natural disaster and nuclear crisis of March 11, 2011 was a terrible tragedy, affecting individuals across the globe. My thoughts and prayers are with our Japanese allies who were hit by an earthquake which caused a tsunami and damaged their nuclear reactors. It will be a while before we can adequately account for the after-effects of this tragedy and properly address the needs of the affected population. In light of this deep misfortune, I understand your concerns about the safety of U.S. nuclear plants.  

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Gregory Jaczko testified before the House and Senate on March 16, 2011, stating that U.S. nuclear reactors are safe. The 104 U.S. commercial nuclear reactors have significantly improved their operating reliability and are more closely watched by on-site NRC inspectors and regional staff than in any other time in the 500 years of nuclear industry's existence. Between 2005 and 2009, there were no abnormal occurrences, accidents, or deficiencies that caused alarm for public health and safety.   

Exceptional security measures were taken to strengthen U.S. reactors after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation. In the wake of the attack, the NRC ordered measures to protect reactors, control rooms, and spent fuel storage pools. It is these actions that make up the difference between the security of U.S. and Japanese reactors. Although the designs are the same, the U.S. has exceeded the security measures of those practiced by the Japanese. These precautions include the reactors' ability to sustain adverse events such as loss of crucial operating and safety systems due to natural events, fires, aircraft impact and explosions. The plants can withstand a total loss of electric power, the condition that ruined the reactor and fuel cooling systems at Fukushima. Additionally, U.S. plants are adequately protected against flooding from inside or outside the plant and have developed strategies for dealing with potential earthquake damage to critical facilities.   

Currently, of the 104 U.S. commercial nuclear reactors, 62 have been approved to operate for an additional 20 years beyond the initial 40 year licensing period and others, such as the Diablo Canyon Plant near San Luis Obispo, are also expected to seek license renewals. Rest assured, public safety is a major concern of mine, especially since California is a major front for nuclear energy innovation. I am confident in the nuclear industry in the United States and will continue to work to ensure its safe delivery of clean, efficient, cheap energy alternatives.   

Once again, thank you for contacting me. I encourage you to stay up to date with my activity in Washington, D.C., and in California's 19th District on my website, www.denham.house.gov, and on my social media sites: @RepJeffDenham on Twitter and Representative Jeff Denham on Facebook. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sincerely,

JEFF DENHAM
United States Representative

 

 

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