Pathway of the peacemakers
Walking the long road from law to justice with the Kings Bay Plowshares
By Paul Magno
For the past two-and-a-half years it has been my privilege to support the Kings Bay Plowshares. They are seven disarmament activists who entered the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Georgia by night on April 4, 2018 — the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s martyrdom — to confront the Trident nuclear weapon system and engage in an act of disarmament. The seven poured human blood on signs and missile models, unfurled peace banners and used household tools to begin symbolic disarmament of Trident, a submarine based first strike nuclear missile, termed by the Navy as a “strategic” weapon.
The seven have subsequently been charged and convicted in a jury trial of three felonies and a misdemeanor in federal court. All but one have been sentenced, to date, by Federal Judge Lisa Godbey Wood…
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Western Power seeks another 50MW of battery storage for WA’s main grid — RenewEconomy
Western Power seeks another 50MW of battery storage to avoid network costs and boost penetration of renewables in WA’s main grid. The post Western Power seeks another 50MW of battery storage for WA’s main grid appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Western Power seeks another 50MW of battery storage for WA’s main grid — RenewEconomy
December 13 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Rising To The Challenge Five Years After The Paris Climate Agreement’” • A new report produced by the UN Environment Program – the Emissions Gap Report 2020 and the Production Gap Report – highlights the urgency of the task ahead. We know how to deliver a safer climate trajectory right now, but major […]
December 13 Energy News — geoharvey
Far from “broad community consent”- nuclear waste dump plan for Kimba South Australia.
Key points:
- A nuclear waste storage facility has been proposed for Napandee near Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula
- One Nation doesn’t think the Barngarla people were given enough of a voice in SA’s nuclear debate
- Federal Government wants to legislate the site, meaning the decision wouldn’t be subject to a judicial review
The proposed facility which would house Australia’s low and intermediate-level waste — which comes from medicine — has been earmarked for a farm near Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula.
The Government wants to legislate the farm as the site for the facility, meaning the decision would not be subject to a judicial review.
There was hope the matter would be resolved before the end of the parliamentary year, however that failed to eventuate.
Labor and One Nation oppose the legislation, saying the resources minister already has powers to select a site, adding that a judicial review had merit.
The Greens also oppose the legislation………
The debate surrounding the facility has been a hot-button topic in Kimba for the past five years, with locals saying they will experience another anxious Christmas.
Farmer Jeff Baldock owns Napandee, the 160-hectare property where the Government wants to put the facility.
He said his frustration levels were growing…….
Mr Baldock said having the facility at Kimba would provide future generations with a different industry in which to work besides agriculture. ……
He said it had been a long process but one that “needs to happen because of the nature of what’s being proposed”.
“It’s all about fairness for people, not only those opposed to it, but those that live outside of the Kimba boundary who were denied a vote,” he said.
To have senators not happy with the current legislation, I think it is a positive thing because in the end, this is forever this facility, it’s going to be 100 years.”
Mental health
Mr Woolford said the wellbeing of people impacted by the process had been forgotten.
“There’s no doubt that’s why people have left and some people are considering leaving now,” he said.
“They don’t want to live by a nuclear facility.
“The Government don’t seem to care about the mental wellbeing of people in this town.
“We’re going to keep standing our ground and oppose this because of how unfair this process has been.” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-11/one-nation-says-not-enough-consultation-kimba-nuclear-facility/12971036
Morrison sidelined by Boris at climate summit, overshadowed at Pacific Forum — RenewEconomy
On Friday it was confirmed that Australia has not been offered a speaking slot at the Climate United Nations’ Ambition Summit. This should not come as a surprise. The Climate Ambition Summit is, as the name would suggest, all about climate ambition – where Australia is decidedly lacking. Earlier this week, Australia was ranked second last……
Morrison sidelined by Boris at climate summit, overshadowed at Pacific Forum — RenewEconomy
Independent MP Zali Steggall welcomes positive response to Climate Change Bill — RenewEconomy
Independent MP Zali Steggall welcomes positive response to proposed Climate Change Act, designed to break the climate policy deadlock. The post Independent MP Zali Steggall welcomes positive response to Climate Change Bill appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Independent MP Zali Steggall welcomes positive response to Climate Change Bill — RenewEconomy
Angus Taylor’s 2020 emissions report: pro gas, anti wind and very weird — RenewEconomy
More gas, less wind and less big solar: The electricity numbers in Taylor’s emissions roadmap make no sense. But that’s not the only weird part of this report. The post Angus Taylor’s 2020 emissions report: pro gas, anti wind and very weird appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Angus Taylor’s 2020 emissions report: pro gas, anti wind and very weird — RenewEconomy
December 11 Energy News — geoharvey
Science and Technology: ¶ “Duke Energy Renewables Invests In Bald Eagle Research, Education In Oklahoma” • Duke Energy is a leader in developing national best practices to reduce bird impacts at wind facilities and from power lines. It partnered with Sutton Avian Research Center in Oklahoma to install an eagle nest camera, which now has […]
December 11 Energy News — geoharvey
Both SMRs AND the high-level nuclear fuel waste they produce are EXEMPT from environmental assessment in Canada — Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area
As noted in the recent Hill Times op-ed by Eva Schacherl, Political Opposition Growing to New Reactors, both small modular nuclear reactors AND the high-level fuel waste they produce are EXEMPT from environmental assessment in Canada From the op-ed: “The Impact Assessment Act was intended to create “greater public trust in impact assessment and decision-making.” […]
Both SMRs AND the high-level nuclear fuel waste they produce are EXEMPT from environmental assessment in Canada — Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area
Australia wins at not honouring 1.5C climate commitment. — Climate Action Moreland: people in Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy wanting action on climate change
Australia wins not honouring the 1.5C commitment Fossil award Australia took out an international award on the eve of the Climate Ambition international conference. But it is not an award to celebrate. Australia was handed the international ‘Fossil Award’ for failing to honour our climate commitments under the Paris Accord. Five years ago Australia signed […]
Australia wins at not honouring 1.5C climate commitment. — Climate Action Moreland: people in Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy wanting action on climate change
Australian Government Productivity Commission Report fails to realise the complexity of environmental problems in uranium mining
Mia Pepper, Conservation Council of Western Australia, (CCWA) 10 Dec 20, The Productivity Commission Report has been released.
The CCWA had put in a detailed submission on uranium – in response to the Minerals Council of Australia attempts to reduce federal oversight of uranium mine projects. The overall terms for the PC report was to identify best practice regulation – while removing impediments to investment. (emphasis on removing impediments to investment – sigh).The short take home message for us: is that the Productivity Commission (PC) echoes calls, initially made through the EPBC Act Review process, that ARPANSA become the regulator for uranium mines, removing the need for EPBC approvals.This is narrow – it suggests the only problems or issues with uranium mines are related to radiation – the issues are much more complex and need environmental regulators not just radiation expertise.There is pressure from MCA and AMEC to remove the ‘nuclear trigger’ because they say it impacts on Rare Earths and Minerals sands assessments and approvals – this didn’t get much traction by the PC but was a segue to supporting calls that ARPANSA become the federal regulator and remove the need for the Environment Department to asses or approve uranium project.This fits with the larger Federal government agenda to remove federal approval requirements through setting up bilateral agreements with all the states and territories to defer powers to the State governments to both assess and approve projects that trigger federal intervention – like all uranium mines do. This is coming up before the Senate – but a majority of senators are set to block this and are calling for the Federal Government to release the final EPBC review report.The long version with extracts from the PC report: Continue reading
Australia is “rapidly” moving towards a hotter, drier climate
Climate change predictions: Average temps to increase, rainfall to decrease
It seems our already warmer days are only going to get hotter as weather experts paint a grim picture of Australia’s climate in the future. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/technology/climate-change-predictions-average-temps-to-increase-rainfall-to-decrease/news-story/c09593fdeb48648c8bfea031bbe7beea
Emily Cosenza, December 9, 2020
NCA NewsWire Australia is “rapidly” moving towards a hotter, drier climate, with average temperatures to continue on an upwards trajectory and rainfall being predicted to gradually decline in parts of the country.Climate change was a major theme in the Bureau of Meteorology’s State of the Climate 2020 biannual report as weather experts demonstrated how the country’s climate had changed since records began in 1910.
CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Michael Grose said weather trends seen in the past were very likely to continue in the future, including warmer temperatures and sea levels rising.
“Heavy rainfall – that‘s the hourly to daily intense downpours – is likely to become more intense through time, partly because that’s just what happens with a warmer atmosphere,” Dr Grose said.
“Unfortunately, that longer fire season with an earlier start and more days of dangerous fire weather is predicted to continue.
We’re heading towards what Australia would have experienced – or the equivalent for Australia – if global warming reached the 1.5 degree and 2 degree global warming level since pre-industrial, (and) we’re heading towards those quite rapidly.” ……..
“What’s really important in the report, and as we’ve seen in past reports, is that we’re experiencing climate change now, and it’s impacting on our community, many industries and other sectors as well,” Dr Bettio said.
She said some temperatures in the warmer months of 1916-89 were seen less than 1.8 per cent of the time but are now presenting more than 12 per cent on the time. “That 1 degree doesn’t sound like a big number, but it’s really impacting on that extreme heat that we experience
Canada to support the nuclear weapons industry with Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)
Canada re-engages in the Nuclear Weapons Business with SMRs, December 3, 2020, WWW.HILLTIMES.COM/2020/12/03/CANADA-RE-ENTERS-NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-BUSINESS-WITH-SMALL-MODULAR-REACTORS/274591
Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan is expected to announce within weeks his government’s action plan for development of “small modular” nuclear reactors (SMRs).
SMR developers already control the federally-subsidized Chalk River Laboratories and other facilities owned by the crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). Canada is now poised to play a supporting role in the global nuclear weapons business, much as it did during World War II.
Canada was part of the Manhattan project with the U.S. and U.K. to produce atomic bombs. In 1943 the three countries agreed to build a facility in Canada to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons. Researchers who trained at the Chalk River Laboratories went on to launch weapons programs in the U.K. and France. Chalk River provided plutonium for U.S. weapons until the 1960s.
Canada’s Nuclear Schizophrenia describes a long tradition of nuclear cooperation with the United States: “For example, in the early 1950s, the U.S. Navy used Canadian technology to design a small reactor for powering its nuclear submarines.” C.D. Howe, after creating AECL in 1952 to develop nuclear reactors and sell weapons plutonium, remarked that “we in Canada are not engaged in military development, but the work that we are doing at Chalk River is of importance to military developments.”
The uranium used in the 1945 Hiroshima bomb may have been mined and refined in Canada. According to Jim Harding’s book Canada’s Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System, from 1953 to 1969, all the uranium mined in Saskatchewan went to make U.S. nuclear weapons. Canada remains the world’s second-largest producer of uranium. North America’s only currently operating uranium processing facility is owned by Cameco in Port Hope, Ontario.
Canada built India’s CIRUS reactor, which started up in 1960 and produced the plutonium for India’s first nuclear explosion in 1974. Canada also built Pakistan’s first nuclear reactor, which started up in 1972. Although this reactor was not used to make weapons plutonium, it helped train the engineers who eventually exploded Pakistan’s first nuclear weapons in 1998.
In 2015 the Harper Government contracted a multi-national consortium called Canadian National Energy Alliance – now comprised of two U.S. companies, Fluor and Jacobs, along with Canada’s SNC-Lavalin – to operate AECL’s nuclear sites, the main one being at Chalk River. Fluor operates the Savannah River Site, a South Carolina nuclear weapons facility, under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Jacobs also has contracts at DOE weapons facilities and is part of a consortium that operates the U.K. Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Joe McBrearty, the president of the consortium’s subsidiary that operates Chalk River and other federal nuclear sites, was a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine commander and then chief operating officer for the DOE’s nuclear laboratories between 2010 and 2019.
All three consortium partners have investments in SMRs and are ramping up research and development at AECL’s Chalk River facility. Some SMR designs would use uranium enriched to levels well beyond those in current reactors; others would use plutonium fuel; others would use fuel dissolved in molten salt. All of these pose new and problematic weapons proliferation risks.
Rolls Royce, an original consortium partner that makes reactors for the U.K.’s nuclear submarines, is lead partner in a U.K. consortium (including SNC-Lavalin) that was recently funded by the U.K. government to advance that country’s SMR program.
A military bromance: SMRs to support and cross-subsidize the UK nuclear weapons program, says “Industry and government in the UK openly promote SMRs on the grounds that an SMR industry would support the nuclear weapons program (in particular the submarine program) by providing a pool of trained nuclear experts, and that in so doing an SMR industry will cross-subsidize the weapons program.”
The article quotes a 2017 Rolls Royce study as follows: “expansion of a nuclear-capable skilled workforce through a civil nuclear UK SMR programme would relieve the Ministry of Defence of the burden of developing and retaining skills and capability.”
The SMR connection to weapons and submarines could hardly be clearer – without SMRs, the U.S. and U.K. will experience a shortage of trained engineers to maintain their nuclear weapons programs.
With the takeover of AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories by SMR developers, and growing federal government support for SMRs, Canada has become part of a global regime linking nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
December 9 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Ohi Ruling Could Signal Trouble Ahead For Nuclear Reactor Restart Plans” • The Ohi case is unique because it’s the first time a court has specifically ruled against the central government over the way it operates its screening process for nuclear reactor safety and over the nature of its earthquake safety standards, adapted […]
December 9 Energy News — geoharvey
Angus Taylor hails latest emissions projections, but it’s bad news for wind and solar — RenewEconomy
Taylor says Technology Roadmap will deliver cuts needed to hit 2030 emissions target – but the projections predict doom for large-scale wind and solar investment. The post Angus Taylor hails latest emissions projections, but it’s bad news for wind and solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Angus Taylor hails latest emissions projections, but it’s bad news for wind and solar — RenewEconomy
1 This month
17 October, Free Public Talk on Nuclear Issues in South Australia
David Noonan will speak on public interest concerns over the new Roxby Downs Indenture Act 2026 on BHP copper-uranium mining and ore processing in SA, and on how AUKUS may face SA with a High-Level nuclear waste agenda.
Dr Jim Green will discuss international developments in the field of nuclear power including ‘small modular reactors’ and Generation 4 ‘advanced’ nuclear reactor concepts.
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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Australians deserve the truth
about
AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
