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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTRUMP WANTS TO RECLASSIFY RADIOACTIVE WASTE TO 'LOW LEVEL' SO DISPOSAL IS CHEAP
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-reclassify-radioactive-waste-nuclear-weapons-low-level-disposal-cheaper-1253063The Department of Energy intends to relabel high-level radioactive waste left over from the production of nuclear weapons as low-level, the Associated Press reported.
Currently, high-level radioactive waste is defined as that which is a byproduct of fuel reprocessing (where leftover fissionable material is separated from the waste) or from nuclear reactors.
Low-level waste, on the other hand, represents around 90 percent of all such waste, according to the American Nuclear Society, and generally comes from facilities where radioisotopes are used, such as nuclear power stations, and local hospitals. Items often include wipes, clothes and plastic.
In the U.S., 90,000 metric tons of nuclear waste is being temporarily stored as successive administrations have grappled to find a long-term solution. Storing nuclear waste safely presents a number of challenges: it needs to be protected from natural disasters, and stopped from seeping into the surrounding water and soil, while its radiation blocked. Thieves must be kept from accessing it, and so too future generations who may not understand how toxic such materials are.
The Associated Press reported the agency said the reclassification would shave $40 billion off the cost of cleaning up after the production of nuclear weapons.
A Department of Energy official told Newsweek it is requesting public comment on its interpretation of the meaning of the statutory term of high-level radioactive waste through the federal register. It based the consultation on reports and recommendations by outside entities, including the Government Accountability Office, Energy Communities Alliance, National Research Council, MIT, and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Americas Nuclear Energy Future, the official said.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,829 posts)Bluepinky
(2,276 posts)AJT
(5,240 posts)Now we can just dump the stuff in the middle MAGA country....
Seriously WTF.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)montanacowboy
(6,098 posts)stuff it down his throat
I am sure it will be "disposed" of near low income neighborhoods
Corgigal
(9,291 posts)to terminate or change this classification.
Anyone looking out for the voters? Trump certainly is not looking out for his grandchildren.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)cleanups and the ability to scam is high. Cha-ching!
Trumps getting paid for this too. Mueller's team will be opening new folders again.
zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)It is true that there is alot of waste that is over classified because of the process with which it was associated, not the actual hazard level of the waste. But the solution is to sort out the "dangerous" stuff from the "fluff". Not just reclassify it all so that you don't have to pay any attention.
KT2000
(20,586 posts)who are being denied workers comp and even decent medical care. These are young workers whose lives have been stolen from them because they trusted the government and contracted corporations.
This also paves the way for more piles of toxic waste in low income neighborhoods.
Congress and media better step in on this but instead we will be treated to the daily rump outrage.