EPEC’s Position on Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons

The Environmental and Peace Education Center (EPEC) believes better tools exist for both energy and peacekeeping. EPEC contends nuclear power is not a viable alternative to fossil fuels in large measure because of the danger it presents to those who work with it, live near reactors and waste sites, and use the energy. The necessary safety precautions add to production costs, and the need for radioactive waste sites spoils land that could be put to better use. EPEC believes the attention and funding focused on expanding the use of nuclear power should instead be spent on the development of solar, water, wind, biodiesel, and other naturally occurring sources of untapped energy.

EPEC also advocates the full disarmament of nuclear arsenals worldwide, and maintains that any such effort must involve the full cooperation of the United States, the country with the greatest nuclear capabilities. All nations must make a joint effort to ensure all existing weapons worldwide are disposed of safely and effectively. Inspections as a check against further nuclear development must be conducted by multi-national teams and must be fully transparent to prevent false claims about weapons of mass destruction. EPEC is not opposed to the kind of scientific and technological discoveries that led to nuclear fission, but will pressure local leaders to see that such advancements are put to the best use.