On today’s show, host Esty Dinur is joined by two representatives from Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) to talk about the Point Beach Nuclear Reactor in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan. Amy Schulz and Alfred Meyer discuss the potential relicensing of this power plant despite the reactor being past its lifespan and how to oppose this relicensing. 

Meyer is concerned that the regulatory studies done on nuclear plants don’t account for the effects of climate change on these reactors. Meanwhile the Trump administration last week issued four executive orders that would remove regulatory measures. Meyer says that the goal of the US’s current push for more nuclear energy is to compete with Russia and China, and nuclear power is being called an “essential enabler” of national security.

Schulz describes the effects of the Point Beach Plant on the surrounding environment, saying that the reactor takes in 950 million gallons of water a day from the lake and returns that water at a warmer temperature. Schulz worries that the rising lake temperatures from climate change in combination with the higher temperatures from the discharge will increase the growth of blue-green algae and other microorganisms. Meyer says that people around the site are also affected by radiation, and this hasn’t been sufficiently studied by the NRC. 

Amy Schulz is a retired Registered Nurse and has served as president of Physicians , Health Professionals and Concerned Citizens for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR WI) for over 20 years.  In addition to her work with PSR WI., Amy volunteers with Journey Mental Health and with Luke House Community Meals program.

Alfred Meyer is a social activist who serves on the boards of directors of Physicians for Social Responsibility – Wisconsin (PSR-WI) and Physicians for Social Responsibility – New York (PSR-NY).  Mr. Meyer’s current focus is on how civilian nuclear power is an essential enabler of nuclear weapons and the nuclear navy with which to deliver them.  He has previously worked with non-governmental organizations to assist communities recovering from the Chernobyl and the Fukushima nuclear catastrophes. He co-authored a 2012 PSR/IPPNW critique of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) report on the health effects of the radioactive releases from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors. He also worked as Program Director for the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability in Washington, DC.

Featured image of the Point Beach Nuclear Plant from 1973 via Wikimedia Commons.

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