Re: Nuclear Waste Watch

[Kathie Brosemer <kathie@cleannorth.org>]

Sorry, Peter, I think you may be confusing the issue.

I'm not asking for a reevaluation of Clean North's position on nuclear 
power - that's been clear and firm for many years.  It's the reason SANA 
amalgamated with CN.  I realize you're a relatively new member (2yrs?) and 
so may not be fully aware of our repeated and public statements on that 
issue over the years.  You could find a lot of it in back issues of the 
newsletter.

There is no hypocrisy in using electricity and also demanding that it be 
generated in the best way possible, just as there is no hypocrisy in 
driving a car and also demanding better public transit and bike paths, 
drinking pop and demanding refillable bottles, etc.  The system-wide, 
structural changes that we're asking for cannot be brought about through 
lifestyle changes alone.

CN does tremendous work in promoting energy conservation through many 
means, and has done so for years both as CN and as a founding member of 
Naturally Green, which did the EnerGuide for Houses.  We're working on 
resurrecting the EnerGuide.  But promoting energy conservation, as 
important as that is, won't stop the federal government from irretrievably 
burying high level nuclear waste in leaky containers in a hole in the 
ground in Massey.

What today's question is about, is whether this new organization seems 
worthwhile to CN, is a good way to help prevent that hole in the ground in 
Massey.  I think it is, and am asking for opinions on that question.

I have worked with the individuals involved in starting this new network 
over the years and can recommend them as very intelligent, thoughtful 
people.  I especially recommend Brennain Lloyd and David Martin.  The late 
Irene Kock, my friend, would have been doing this too, as she was David's 
partner, and she was one of the most intelligent and decent people I've 
ever known.  She taught me a lot about organizations and process, when she 
was chair of the Ontario Environment Network.  Brennain wrote the structure 
document for the network, so I know it is a good one (I've also had a look 
at it).

I am keen to take part in this.  Once in awhile I need a bigger-picture 
issue to work on.  Not that paying the bills, writing thank you letters, 
and training yet another welfare recipient in how to use a spreadsheet 
isn't challenging work, but these are the things I thrive on.

kathie