Takoma Park, MD Adding Transportation of Radioactive Materials to Nuclear Free Zone Act

Type: Ordinance
Status: Adopted on 9/26/05
Vote: Unanimous (with 1 absent)
Source File: http://www.takomaparkmd.gov/clerk/ordinance/2005/or200529.pdf
Text:
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-29
(Amendments to the Nuclear-free Zone Chapter to ensure safety in the City of Takoma Park from transportation of radioactive materials and reduce the risk of attacks by terrorists.)
WHEREAS, Chapter 14.04 of the Code of the City of Takoma Park establishes the City of
Takoma Park as a nuclear-free zone; and
WHEREAS, the Code of the City of Takoma Park does not address transportation of highlevel
nuclear waste through the City; and
WHEREAS, transportation of high-level nuclear waste through the City poses threats to
the health and safety of the City through accidental discharge, intentional acts, acts of terrorism, or
merely by being in close proximity to such shipments; and
WHEREAS, the rail line passing through the City of Takoma Park is expected to be used
for transportation of high-level nuclear waste to a federal repository and such shipments may
commence within the next two years; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to improve the safety of the City through increased public
awareness of potential risks related to the transportation of high-level nuclear waste through the
City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, that Chapter 14.04, Nuclear-free Zone of the Takoma Park Code, is amended as follows:
CHAPTER 14.04. NUCLEAR-FREE ZONE
Sec. 14.04.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the City as a nuclear-free zone in that work on nuclear
weapons is prohibited and that harmful exposure to high-level nuclear waste is limited within the City limits.and that [c] Citizens and representatives are urged to redirect resources previously used for nuclear weapons and nuclear power generation towards endeavors which promote and enhance life, such as human services, including child care, housing, schools, health care, emergency services, public transportation, energy conservation, public assistance and jobs.
Sec. 14.04.030 Findings.
It is the finding of the Mayor and Council of the City, that:
J. The production of nuclear energy creates highly radioactive nuclear waste whose
transportation through the City creates substantial risk to the public safety and welfare of the City.
Sec. 14.04.110 Nuclear-Free Takoma Park Committee.
C. The Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
5. The Committee shall maintain a collection of current materials concerning
the production of nuclear weapons and the components thereof and the transportation of high-level
nuclear waste resulting from the production of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. From this
information and from consultations with individuals and organizations involved in the nuclear
weapons and nuclear energy debate, the Committee shall annually prepare and report to the City
Council a list of nuclear weapons producers to guide the City, its officials, staff and agents in the
implementation of Sections 14.04.050 and 14.04.060 of this Act. The Committee shall also make
recommendations to the City Council from this information and from consultations with individuals
and organizations involved in the transportation of high-level nuclear waste on how best to promote
the safety and welfare of the City from harmful exposure to high-level nuclear waste.
Category:City Governments
Category:Maryland
Category:Nuclear Free
Category:Ordinances
Category:Takoma Park