Onondaga citizens on the Nation’s currently recognized territory risk harm from recently authorized nuclear waste shipments trucked on Interstate 81 South, passing over creeks south of Syracuse where citizens swim, fish and gather medicine plants. DOE approved highly radioactive waste shipments through this territory against the Nation’s strong opposition and in violation of the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua.
Impacts from existing and proposed nuclear plants are not trivial or dismissible. New York should not waste resources in so-called advanced nuclear plants or even riskier small modular reactors. This is no better than existing technology: They have the same life-cycle impacts, accident risks, high costs and toxic waste. The growing dangers of continuing spent fuel rod accumulation, with no safe storage mechanism and no plan, is enough of a reason for reasonable CAC members to refuse money for new nuclear plants.
Not only is new nuclear not a just option, the state should cease subsidizing Nine Mile Point Units 1 and 2 and FitzPatrick. Nuclear energy harms the environment and public health and violates Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Investing in any nuclear energy goes against New York’s commitment to environmental justice and climate justice.
