Nuclear Energy

Earlier in 2007 the then Howard government announced that it would open the way for nuclear power in Australia by setting up a nuclear regulatory regime and make it easier to build nuclear power plants in Australia.

The Howard government was pushing the myth that nuclear energy could reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions and directed millions of dollars towards the development of nuclear power.

While the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said he is not interested in pursuing nuclear power, there are a number of powerful advocates and the issue remains one that requires great vigilance.

Climate change is the greatest threat we face but nuclear power is not the solution.

Nuclear power is:

• Too dangerous. Accidents can cause deaths, life-threatening disease and contaminate vast regions;
• Linked to regional insecurity and nuclear weapons proliferation;
• Very expensive, especially when the cost of cleaning up retired plants and storing radioactive waste, including depleted uranium, is taken into account;
• Relies on uranium, the mining and processing of which generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information:

• See the Australian Greens' Nuclear Power campaign page
  

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