Understanding nuclear energy is a complicated and controversial subject. In 2008 there have been two nuclear power reactor proposals for construction in Idaho. One of the proposals includes French-owned nuclear reactor builder Areva, which intends to build a uranium enrichment plant.
In an effort to educate the public and present hard facts on the process of creating nuclear energy, the Snake River Alliance will screen David Bradbury's film "A Hard Rain" on Monday, Oct. 20, from 7-9 p.m. at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Bradbury's "A Hard Rain" is an examination of the global nuclear industry from the mining of uranium and its journey to a nuclear power plant and the radioactive waste as well as weapons manufacturing.
The film takes a look at the experiences of countries around the globe which have implemented nuclear energy. "A Hard Rain" examines the industry's claims that nuclear power is safe, cheap, healthy and green with little chance of another Chernobyl happening.
"The film shows the nuclear fuel cycle in its entirety," said Snake River Alliance Executive Director Andrea Shipley. The alliance vigorously opposes nuclear weapons, nuclear waste and contamination, and works to promote sustainable alternatives to nuclear power.
"Most people don't know it. What I mean is most people don't recognize that uranium must be mined, which is dirty and messy, milled and enriched. There is waste and there is no solution for it. The only solution in 50 years is who do we not like enough to send it to."
Shipley said there is a road map to meet energy needs by 2050 without nuclear power and there are cheaper and cleaner options.
"With governments and some mainstream media promoting that nuclear is now a viable alternative to fossil fuels, it is more critical than ever to ensure the public knows the facts," Shipley said. "Nuclear energy is an environmental, economic and energy loser when there are better options such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and conservation and energy-efficiency standards that provide a cleaner, cheaper, safer solution."
There will be a Q & A session after the film and the alliance will present a breakfast Monday morning at CK's restaurant in Hailey to discuss the use of solar energy in the Wood River Valley community and how others can learn more about it. The breakfast is 7:30-9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, and is free to members and $25 for non-members. For details, call (208) 344-91961.
"A Hard Rain" is a documentary film by David Bradbury on the cycle of creating nuclear energy.
