RE: A New Way To Bash Nuclear Power (Reply from the mutual fund)

[Bernard L Cohen <blc+@pitt.edu>]

	The problem with this, as with most non-technical discussions, is
that there is no quantitative comparison between the environmental impacts
of nuclear power and coal burning (which provides most U.S. electricity).
or for that matter with any alternative source. Any quantitative analysis
will show that nuclear power is far better for health and the environment.


Bernard L. Cohen
Physics Dept.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Tel: (412)624-9245
Fax: (412)624-9163
e-mail: blc+@pitt.edu


On Thu, 30 Mar 2000, Abelquist, Eric wrote:

> Here's the stated reasons for the mutual fund not including nuclear power
> plants.  
> 
> This is Joan Lindo's (Calvert Group)reply:
> 
> "Good Afternoon,
> 
> Calvert does not invest in nuclear power plant operators, owners, or
> contractors because we are concerned that nuclear energy is neither
> environmentally nor economically viable using current technology.  Nuclear
> electric plants are some of the highest-cost generating plants in the United
> States, and many are considered stranded assets--assets whose costs cannot
> be recovered is electricity restructuring affords competition.  Moreover,
> real solutions to radioactive waste disposal are still elusive, and the
> volume of radioactive waste is still growing, totaling approximately 150,000
> tons in the late 1990s.  This waste poses problems for the environment as
> well as for nuclear non-proliferation; both problems will last for many
> generations.  We are also aware that other sources of electricity pose
> problems.  As is the case with any company we invest in, we thoroughly
> analyze power producers for their environmental compliance and impact,safety
> and health concerns, labor practices, and human rights records.  Many fossil
> fuel electricity producters do not meet our criteria for these reasons.  The
> utility companies and electric generators in our portfolios all have
> above-average records on these dimensions.
>   Thank you for your inquiry."
> 
> Any problems with the technical basis presented?
> 
> Regards
> Eric Abelquist
> abelquie@orau.gov
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gerald.P.Lahti@ucm.com [mailto:Gerald.P.Lahti@ucm.com]
> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2000 11:48 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: A New Way To Bash Nuclear Power
> 
> 
> The following appeared in the Chicago Tribune, March 29, 2000, "Your Money"
> section (page 5).  The syndicated column, "Mutual Funds" written by Charles
> A. Jaffe of the Boston Globe [jaffe@globe.com). discussed the Vanguard
> Calvert Social Index Fund.  
> 
> Funds such as this buy only stocks that revolve "around the basic belief
> that it is possible to 'do well' while 'doing good' .  To make that happen,
> social investors weed out companies that act in ways that are not consistent
> with their individual beliefs.  Social screens cover everything from
> environmental and societal concerns to personal or religious preferences.
> So, for example, Calvert's index (and in turn Vanguard's new fund) will
> avoid stocks tied to alcohol, tobacco, gambling and nuclear power..."
> 
> Interesting grouping!!  Enough said.
> 
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> Jerry Lahti
> Radiological Safety Specialist
> ComEd - Downers Grove
> (630) 663-6659
> gerald.p.lahti@ucm.com
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
> 
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