Tell the federal government: SMNRs need environmental review
In a bid to continue weakening the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and recklessly push a pro-nuclear agenda, the Trump administration issued a notice that new nuclear reactors are now excluded from federal environmental review.
The categorical exclusion would potentially apply to Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs) slated for siting at the Hanford Nuclear Site. Typically, these types of exclusions are reserved for actions that do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
This move comes in tandem with a myriad of federal government actions deregulating the nuclear industry more broadly, including worker safety, health standards, and oversight. The question remains: if nuclear energy is so safe, why do these standards need to be weakened?
Dear U.S. Department of Energy,
I oppose the granting of a new categorical exclusion (CX) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for new nuclear reactors. CXs are reserved for federal actions that do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. At this juncture, it’s impossible to know if new nuclear reactors, such as Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs), meet this definition since none have been built in the United States.
Applying a CX to new nuclear reactors would effectively fast track approvals and reduce federal oversight over the nuclear industry. Perhaps even more concerning, this exclusion will make it easier to develop nuclear reactors at the Hanford Nuclear Site, a location being targeted by industry. Hanford cleanup is at a crossroads, with increased pressure for new development threatening to derail a thorough and protective cleanup. This is unconscionable. Such a move threatens people, the environment, and clean water for generations to come. We in the Pacific Northwest refuse to add more waste to our nuclear waste burden. I urge the federal government to rescind the reckless CX for new nuclear reactors and maintain full NEPA review for all nuclear reactor proposals.
Sincerely,