San Clemente residents are thinking local, acting global in an effort to reach any citizens of the world who share our belief that nuclear power is simply not worth the risk.
We, the people of San Clemente, issue this statement of public record declaring our rights to live in a safe environment, protected from the unjustifiable risks being imposed on us as hosts to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Recent revelations brought about by the disaster in Fukushima have left us in serious doubt about the capabilities of science, technology, regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness. As representatives of the people who you are sworn to protect, we expect decision makers at all levels to act decisively in our interest and immediately take steps towards the following goals:
Make the decision based on what we already know, to close San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station as soon as feasible, so that we can eliminate the possibility of radiation exposure before a massive and overdue earthquake or tsunami strikes our area (no need for further studies. Japan and Germany have already set the example).
Increase security and containment of all radioactive waste and make preparations for extremely careful transportation to a temporary storage facility a safe distance from populated and seismic locations, and hold the Federal Government responsible to meet its obligation to provide permanent storage.
Incentivize investment in solar technology by making easy financing available and by paying investors and homeowners fair market value for kilowatts they contribute to the grid, especially during peak periods.
Redirect billions of dollars in ratepayer funds towards completing a "Smart Grid" and other clean, safe energy efficient technologies, which would otherwise have gone towards costly studies, seismic upgrades and expensive license extension applications.
Evaluate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) evacuation plans to relocate 7.4 million people within a 50 mile radius, and investigate NRC's apparent bias towards the industry rather than towards public safety.
Our personal commitment is to conserve as much energy as needed to offset nuclear power from SONGS as we make this transition, and to implement emerging green technologies whenever possible. The alternative is simply not acceptable, moral or ethical considering the risk involved for a mere 15% of our wasteful energy consumption habits.
