It should be phased out as soon as possible and should not be encouraged as a future energy source. Since the late 1970 s, the PIRGs have worked to protect the public from unsafe, expensive nuclear reactors. PIRGs successfully opposed the construction of several nuclear power plants because of cost, safety and nuclear waste concerns. During reauthorization of the Price-Anderson Act, the PIRGs successfully advocated for lower taxpayer liability in case of a nuclear accident. Nuclear power is unsafe .
Nuclear power poses an unacceptable threat to humans and the environment.
All aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle pose a risk to humans and the environment. Uranium mining and enrichment has caused sickness and death in workers and has generated tons of mining and enrichment wastes, which continue to threaten nearby communities. Current uranium mining practices include in-situ leaching, which pollutes precious aquifers in the arid West. Irradiated fuel from nuclear reactors is perhaps the most toxic material generated by humans. Unshielded, it delivers a lethal dose of radiation within seconds.