Dept of Energy attempting to fast track nuclear loans 2009

Beyond Nuclear Action Alert Sept. 2, 2009
Urge Energy Dept. to Extend Public Comment Period on Nuclear Loan Guarantee Rules!

The U.S. Department of Energy is attempting to fast track its nuclear loan guarantee program by drastically limiting the opportunity for the public to comment on changes to its regulations.

We must all act now to extend the comment period to ensure a transparent, democratic and fair public process, not a DOE rubber stamp. On August 7th, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) posted an announcement in the Federal Register in which it weakened the rules, as by moving taxpayers further back in the line of lenders who would be paid back in the event of nuclear project default.
This puts taxpayers at increased risk of being left holding the bag for tens of billions of dollars in loan repayments when new nuclear projects go belly up. Despite such astronomical financial risks, and the complex technical nature of the regulatory changes, DOE has allowed just 30 days for the submission of public comments. The month-long comment period just happened to coincide with the August Congressional recess, with watchdog groups as well as House and Senate Members and staff away on travel. Many could well remain unaware of the changes until Congress resumes the day after Labor Day – the very day comments are due – Tuesday, Sept. 8th. On August 20th, environmental groups wrote DOE, requesting a 60-day extension to the comment period. Please email DOE right away at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov. Express support for the Aug. 20 environmental coalition letter, and urge DOE to grant the 60 day extension to the comment period.
Alert your U.S. Senators and Representative to DOE's sneak maneuver, by calling them via the U.S. Capitol Switchboard, (202) 224-3121 (202) 224-3121. Urge your Members of Congress to themselves contact DOE and demand a 60-day extension to the comment period, so that their staff can submit carefully considered comments to protect American taxpayers against the enormous financial risks of new atomic reactors and uranium enrichment facilities. Read the details on DOE's proposed nuclear loan guarantees. Also, see Beyond Nuclear's "Nuclear Costs" Web site section. For more, email Kevin Kamps or call him at Beyond Nuclear, (301) 270-2209 (301) 270-2209 ext. 1.

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