Chapter 17 Chapter 17 Nonrenewable Nonrenewable

Energy ResourcesEnergy Resources

The World Oil MarketThe World Oil Market 19731973

Arab oil embargo on U.S.Arab oil embargo on U.S. Triggered economic Triggered economic

recession: how?recession: how? U.S. looked to energy U.S. looked to energy

conservationconservation

The World Oil MarketThe World Oil Market

1980s1980s Oil prices droppedOil prices dropped U.S. oil consumption U.S. oil consumption

increasedincreased U.S. depends on U.S. depends on

foreign oilforeign oil Future outlook?Future outlook?

Energy ConsumptionEnergy Consumption

We depend on energyWe depend on energy What do we use energy for?What do we use energy for? Developed vs. developing countriesDeveloped vs. developing countries

Energy ConsumptionEnergy Consumption Human society depends on energyHuman society depends on energy

Warm and cool homes; grow, store, cook food; Warm and cool homes; grow, store, cook food; extract and process natural resources for extract and process natural resources for manufacturing items we use daily; manufacturing items we use daily; transportationtransportation

Per capita consumption of energy is much higher Per capita consumption of energy is much higher in developed than developing countriesin developed than developing countries In US, 31% of total energy is for industryIn US, 31% of total energy is for industry 41% consumed by buildings (homes and 41% consumed by buildings (homes and

offices)offices) 28% transportation28% transportation Between 2007–2008 energy consumption Between 2007–2008 energy consumption

worldwide increased 2.4% (mostly China and worldwide increased 2.4% (mostly China and India)India)

World’s energy requirements will increase as World’s energy requirements will increase as populations become largerpopulations become larger

Energy ConsumptionEnergy Consumption Where is consumption increasing the Where is consumption increasing the

most?most? Projected Projected

consumptionconsumption

World Energy UseWorld Energy Use

Carbon (COCarbon (CO22) Emission Per ) Emission Per CapitaCapita

CoalCoal

Most abundant fossil fuelMost abundant fossil fuel Found mostly in N. HemisphereFound mostly in N. Hemisphere U.S. has 25%U.S. has 25% Could last 200+ yearsCould last 200+ years What do we use it for?What do we use it for? Use on the increase inUse on the increase in

China and IndiaChina and India

Major Coal Deposits in the Major Coal Deposits in the United StatesUnited States

CoalCoal Coal MiningCoal Mining

Surface MiningSurface Mining Within 30 m of the surfaceWithin 30 m of the surface First removes soil, subsoil, and overlying First removes soil, subsoil, and overlying

rock stratarock strata 60% of US coal is obtained this way60% of US coal is obtained this way Usually safer for miners, less expensiveUsually safer for miners, less expensive Disrupts the land extensivelyDisrupts the land extensively Strip Mining (type of surface mining)Strip Mining (type of surface mining)

Vegetation, soil, and rock are ‘stripped Vegetation, soil, and rock are ‘stripped away’away’

Trench is dug to extract coal, coal is Trench is dug to extract coal, coal is loaded into railroad cars or trucksloaded into railroad cars or trucks

Subsurface Mining (deep underground)Subsurface Mining (deep underground) Approximately 40% of coal mined in the USApproximately 40% of coal mined in the US

CoalCoal

Coal: Surface MiningCoal: Surface Mining

Strip miningStrip mining Dig trench to extract mineralDig trench to extract mineral Dig parallel trenchDig parallel trench Cover old trench with new overburdenCover old trench with new overburden Spoil bankSpoil bank

Coal: Subsurface MiningCoal: Subsurface Mining

Minerals deep in groundMinerals deep in ground Less land disturbanceLess land disturbance More expensiveMore expensive More hazardousMore hazardous

Environmental Impacts Of Environmental Impacts Of CoalCoal

Abandoned minesAbandoned mines Acid mine drainageAcid mine drainage

Dangerous Dangerous materials wash materials wash into streams, into streams, lakeslakes

LandslidesLandslides

CoalCoal Environmental Impacts of Coal MiningEnvironmental Impacts of Coal Mining

Substantial effects on the environmentSubstantial effects on the environment Surface Mining Control and Reclamation ActSurface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

1977 - controlled abandoned surface mines1977 - controlled abandoned surface mines Acid and toxic mineral drainage leached Acid and toxic mineral drainage leached

from abandoned open pitsfrom abandoned open pits Acid mine drainageAcid mine drainage

Mountaintop removalMountaintop removal One of most destructive mining methodsOne of most destructive mining methods Has leveled 15–25% of mountains in West Has leveled 15–25% of mountains in West

VirginiaVirginia Valleys and streams are filled with tailings Valleys and streams are filled with tailings

and debrisand debris Also in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Also in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,

VirginiaVirginia

CoalCoal

CoalCoal Environmental Impacts of Coal BurningEnvironmental Impacts of Coal Burning

Contributes more air pollutants than Contributes more air pollutants than oil or natural gasoil or natural gas

Coal-burning electric power plants Coal-burning electric power plants produce 1/3 of all airborne mercury produce 1/3 of all airborne mercury emissionsemissions

When coal is burned it produces When coal is burned it produces sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which react with water in the atmosphere react with water in the atmosphere and produce Acid depositionand produce Acid deposition

Releases more COReleases more CO22 into the into the atmosphere than other fossil fuelsatmosphere than other fossil fuels

Environmental Impacts Of CoalEnvironmental Impacts Of Coal

Acid depositionAcid deposition COCO22 released released

Making Coal CleanerMaking Coal Cleaner ScrubbersScrubbers

Desulfurization systemsDesulfurization systems Clean power plant exhaustClean power plant exhaust

Fluidized-bed combustionFluidized-bed combustion Mix coal with limestoneMix coal with limestone Produces less pollutionProduces less pollution Produces more heatProduces more heat

Clean Air Act 1990 provides Clean Air Act 1990 provides incentivesincentives

Fluidized-Bed CombustionFluidized-Bed Combustion

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas

Provide 60.6% of world’s energyProvide 60.6% of world’s energy In US, provide 60.9% energyIn US, provide 60.9% energy

Coal 22.5%Coal 22.5% Nuclear power 8.5%Nuclear power 8.5% Hydropower 3.1% Hydropower 3.1%

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Petroleum (crude oil)Petroleum (crude oil)

Liquid composed of hundreds of Liquid composed of hundreds of hydrocarbonshydrocarbons

Refining separates crude oil into Refining separates crude oil into different products based on boiling different products based on boiling pointspoints

Gases, jet fuel, heating oil, diesel, Gases, jet fuel, heating oil, diesel, asphaltasphalt

PetrochemicalsPetrochemicals Oil is used to produce fertilizers, Oil is used to produce fertilizers,

plastics, paints, pesticides, plastics, paints, pesticides, medicines, synthetic fibersmedicines, synthetic fibers

OilOil PetroleumPetroleum

Crude oilCrude oil Refined into different Refined into different

productsproducts Used in petrochemicalsUsed in petrochemicals

PlasticsPlasticsFertilizersFertilizersSynthetic fibersSynthetic fibers

TransportationTransportation

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Natural GasNatural Gas

Only a few hydrocarbonsOnly a few hydrocarbons Methane-used primarily for heating Methane-used primarily for heating

residential and commercial buildings, residential and commercial buildings, generate electricitygenerate electricity

EthaneEthane PropanePropane ButaneButane

Liquefied petroleum gasLiquefied petroleum gas Propane and butane are separated and Propane and butane are separated and

stored in pressurized tanks as a liquidstored in pressurized tanks as a liquid

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Natural gas usesNatural gas uses

Electricity generationElectricity generation CogenerationCogeneration

Natural gas is used to produce electricity and Natural gas is used to produce electricity and steam. Steam is used for heating water and steam. Steam is used for heating water and spacesspaces

TransportationTransportation Fuels for cars, trucks, busesFuels for cars, trucks, buses Environmental advantages over gasoline/dieselEnvironmental advantages over gasoline/diesel

33% less CO33% less CO22; 70% less CO;90% fewer toxic ; 70% less CO;90% fewer toxic emissions, no sootemissions, no soot

Commercial coolingCommercial cooling Residential and commercial air coolingResidential and commercial air cooling Dessicant-based air cooling (air-drying system)Dessicant-based air cooling (air-drying system)

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Main disadvantageMain disadvantage

Deposits are located far from where gas Deposits are located far from where gas is neededis needed

Costs 4 times more to transport through Costs 4 times more to transport through pipelines than crude oilpipelines than crude oil

Must be compressed to form LNG and Must be compressed to form LNG and carried in specially refrigerated shipscarried in specially refrigerated ships

Regassified at destination pointRegassified at destination point Only 4 plants in the USOnly 4 plants in the US At least 40 needed according to At least 40 needed according to

energy companiesenergy companies

Oil ReservesOil Reserves

Unevenly distributedUnevenly distributed Much in Middle EastMuch in Middle East

Oil ReservesOil Reserves

Continental shelvesContinental shelves Underwater areasUnderwater areas Surround continentsSurround continents Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico Spills problematicSpills problematic

Production will peak Production will peak between 2035between 2035

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Environmental Impacts of Oil and Natural Environmental Impacts of Oil and Natural

GasGas OilOil

COCO22 production-contributes to global warming production-contributes to global warming Acid depositionAcid deposition Photochemical smogPhotochemical smog Nitrogen oxides (almost no sulfur oxides)Nitrogen oxides (almost no sulfur oxides)

Natural GasNatural Gas Relatively cleanRelatively clean No sulfurNo sulfur Releases far less COReleases far less CO22 Almost no particulates compared to oil and coalAlmost no particulates compared to oil and coal

Risks associated with transportRisks associated with transport Leaks and spillsLeaks and spills

Environmental Impacts Of Environmental Impacts Of OilOil

COCO22 released released Acid depositionAcid deposition Photochemical smogPhotochemical smog SpillsSpills

The The Exxon ValdezExxon Valdez Oil Spill Oil Spill Alaskan coast, 1989Alaskan coast, 1989 Largest in U.S.Largest in U.S. 10.9 million gallons10.9 million gallons Many birds, otters diedMany birds, otters died Cleanup?Cleanup? Oil Pollution Act passedOil Pollution Act passed

The The Exxon ValdezExxon Valdez Oil Spill Oil Spill

World’s Largest Oil SpillWorld’s Largest Oil Spill

1991: Persian Gulf War1991: Persian Gulf War 250 million gallons250 million gallons Persian GulfPersian Gulf Oil wells set on fireOil wells set on fire 2001: Kuwait begins remediation2001: Kuwait begins remediation Long recovery timeLong recovery time

Environmental InSightEnvironmental InSight

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas Earth’s Largest Oil SpillEarth’s Largest Oil Spill

1991 - Persian Gulf War1991 - Persian Gulf War 6 million barrels (250 million gallons, 6 million barrels (250 million gallons,

20x more than Exxon Valdez spill)20x more than Exxon Valdez spill) Deliberately dumped into Persian GulfDeliberately dumped into Persian Gulf Oil wells set on fireOil wells set on fire Lakes of oil spilled into the desert Lakes of oil spilled into the desert

around wellsaround wells May take a century or more for area to May take a century or more for area to

recoverrecover

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas The Largest Oil Spill in the USThe Largest Oil Spill in the US

As book goes to press, oil leaking from a deep-water As book goes to press, oil leaking from a deep-water platform is spreading along the coast of Louisianaplatform is spreading along the coast of Louisiana

This will probably be the US’ largest oil spillThis will probably be the US’ largest oil spill

1989- Exxon Valdez supertanker1989- Exxon Valdez supertanker 260,000 barrels/10.9 million gallons of crude260,000 barrels/10.9 million gallons of crude

Prince William Sound, along coast of AlaskaPrince William Sound, along coast of Alaska

300,000 birds and 3500–5500 sea otters died 300,000 birds and 3500–5500 sea otters died Orca and harbor seal populations declinedOrca and harbor seal populations declined Salmon migration was disrupted-Fishing season was Salmon migration was disrupted-Fishing season was

haltedhalted After ‘completing’ the cleanup, shores were still After ‘completing’ the cleanup, shores were still

contaminated and continued damage to birds, fishes, and contaminated and continued damage to birds, fishes, and mammalsmammals

Oil and Natural GasOil and Natural Gas The Largest Oil Spill in the USThe Largest Oil Spill in the US

Oil Pollution Act of 1990Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Liability for damages to natural Liability for damages to natural

resources resulting form oil resources resulting form oil spills, including a trust fund to spills, including a trust fund to pay for damages when pay for damages when responsible party cannotresponsible party cannot

Requires double hulls on tankers Requires double hulls on tankers entering US waters by 2015entering US waters by 2015

Natural GasNatural Gas More plentiful than oilMore plentiful than oil Over half in Russia and IranOver half in Russia and Iran Use is on the increaseUse is on the increase Methane, ethane, propane, butaneMethane, ethane, propane, butane Liquefied petroleum gasLiquefied petroleum gas

Propane and butanePropane and butane Heating, cookingHeating, cooking

CogenerationCogeneration Make electricity and steamMake electricity and steam

Natural GasNatural Gas TransportationTransportation

Less pollution emittedLess pollution emitted U.S. ≈ 100,000 vehiclesU.S. ≈ 100,000 vehicles

DisadvantagesDisadvantages Deposits located far from usage Deposits located far from usage

pointspoints Transporting is difficultTransporting is difficult ExplosiveExplosive

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy All atoms composed of protons, All atoms composed of protons,

electrons, neutronselectrons, neutrons Nuclear energyNuclear energy

Energy released by Energy released by nuclear fission or nuclear fission or fusionfusion

Change the nuclei of Change the nuclei of atomsatoms

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Two different types of nuclear reactionsTwo different types of nuclear reactions

FissionFission Splitting of nucleus into two smaller Splitting of nucleus into two smaller

fragments, accompanied by the release of fragments, accompanied by the release of large amounts of energylarge amounts of energy E.g., a neutron crashes into a nucleus of E.g., a neutron crashes into a nucleus of

UraniumUranium Used in nuclear power plantsUsed in nuclear power plants

FusionFusion Two small atoms are combined to form a Two small atoms are combined to form a

large atom of a different elementlarge atom of a different element E.g., process that powers the sun and E.g., process that powers the sun and

other starsother stars

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Conventional Nuclear FissionConventional Nuclear Fission

Uranium ore is used in power plantsUranium ore is used in power plants Nonrenewable resource, 11% located in USNonrenewable resource, 11% located in US 3 isotopes: U-238, U-235, U-2343 isotopes: U-238, U-235, U-234 Enrichment: the process of refining Uranium Enrichment: the process of refining Uranium

ore to increase the concentration of U-235 to ore to increase the concentration of U-235 to 3% so it’s usable in nuclear reactors3% so it’s usable in nuclear reactors

Requires a lot of energyRequires a lot of energy Processed into small pellets, and placed into closed Processed into small pellets, and placed into closed

pipes called fuel rodspipes called fuel rods Fuel rods are placed into groups of 200 into fuel Fuel rods are placed into groups of 200 into fuel

assembliesassemblies A reactor contains 150–250 fuel assembliesA reactor contains 150–250 fuel assemblies

Nuclear Energy in Nuclear Energy in PerspectivePerspective

Nuclear Energy in Nuclear Energy in PerspectivePerspective

From Mass to EnergyFrom Mass to Energy

http://www.nv.doe.gov/news&pubs/photos&films/atm.htm

Nuclear Energy in Nuclear Energy in PerspectivePerspective

Fission vs. FusionFission vs. Fusion

FissionFission Splitting an atomic nucleusSplitting an atomic nucleus Releases lots of energyReleases lots of energy Used in nuclear power plantsUsed in nuclear power plants

FusionFusion Two small atoms combinedTwo small atoms combined Powers the sunPowers the sun

Nuclear FissionNuclear Fission

Conventional Nuclear Conventional Nuclear FissionFission

Uranium oreUranium ore Nonrenewable resourceNonrenewable resource Must first be refined: enrichmentMust first be refined: enrichment

Made into pellets: Made into pellets: uranium dioxideuranium dioxide

Conventional Nuclear Conventional Nuclear FissionFission

Pellets placed in fuel rodsPellets placed in fuel rods Rods grouped into fuel assembliesRods grouped into fuel assemblies Fission in rods releases Fission in rods releases

heatheat Heat transforms liquid Heat transforms liquid

water to steamwater to steam Steam generates Steam generates

electricityelectricity

Nuclear Power PlantNuclear Power Plant

Reactor core: where fission occursReactor core: where fission occurs Steam generator: steam producedSteam generator: steam produced Turbine: generates electricityTurbine: generates electricity Condenser: cools steam back to liquidCondenser: cools steam back to liquid

Nuclear Power PlantNuclear Power Plant

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Nuclear Energy and Fossil FuelsNuclear Energy and Fossil Fuels

Nuclear power production steadily increasingNuclear power production steadily increasing Concerns for climate changeConcerns for climate change Increasing demand for energyIncreasing demand for energy

Supporters claim we need more nuclear Supporters claim we need more nuclear energyenergy

Affects the environment less than fossil fuelsAffects the environment less than fossil fuels Less pollution, no COLess pollution, no CO22

Decreases demand on foreign oilDecreases demand on foreign oil Nuclear energy generates radioactive wasteNuclear energy generates radioactive waste

Spent fuel, coolant fluids and gasesSpent fuel, coolant fluids and gases Special measures for safe storage and disposalSpecial measures for safe storage and disposal

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy & Foreign Nuclear Energy & Foreign OilOil

Nuclear energy used for electricityNuclear energy used for electricity Most oil used for transportationMost oil used for transportation Technological advances could change Technological advances could change

thisthis Electric heat pumpsElectric heat pumps Electric vehiclesElectric vehicles

Is Nuclear Power Safe?Is Nuclear Power Safe?

Accidents can happenAccidents can happen Dangerous radiation releasedDangerous radiation released MeltdownMeltdown

Metals encasing uranium fuel meltMetals encasing uranium fuel melt Radiation releasedRadiation released

Risk for major accident is lowRisk for major accident is low

Three Mile IslandThree Mile Island

Worst nuclear accident in U.S.Worst nuclear accident in U.S. Pennsylvania, 1979Pennsylvania, 1979 Partial meltdownPartial meltdown Small amount of radiation releasedSmall amount of radiation released Public became wary of nuclear powerPublic became wary of nuclear power New safety regulations put into placeNew safety regulations put into place Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

createdcreated

ChernobylChernobyl

World’s worst nuclear power plant World’s worst nuclear power plant accidentaccident

Soviet Union, 1986Soviet Union, 1986 Nuclear reactor Nuclear reactor

explodedexploded Large quantities of Large quantities of

radiation releasedradiation released

Chernobyl FalloutChernobyl Fallout

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Chernobyl, UkraineChernobyl, Ukraine

World’s worst accident, 1986World’s worst accident, 1986 1-2 explosions ripped apart reactor and released 1-2 explosions ripped apart reactor and released

radioactivity into environmentradioactivity into environment Quickly spread to surrounding area and other Quickly spread to surrounding area and other

parts of Europeparts of Europe Ultimately more than 170,000 people abandoned Ultimately more than 170,000 people abandoned

their homestheir homes Farmlands and forest win many areas of Ukraine, Farmlands and forest win many areas of Ukraine,

people cannot drink water, milk, eat meat, fish, people cannot drink water, milk, eat meat, fish, fruits, or vegetablesfruits, or vegetables

Mother’s can’t nurse their babies (their milk is Mother’s can’t nurse their babies (their milk is contaminated by radioactivity)contaminated by radioactivity)

Increases in birth defects, leukemia, thyroid Increases in birth defects, leukemia, thyroid cancer, abnormal immune systemscancer, abnormal immune systems

ChernobylChernobyl 170,000+ permanently moved from 170,000+ permanently moved from

homeshomes Long-term effects still being feltLong-term effects still being felt

Farmland and forests unusableFarmland and forests unusable Mothers cannot nurse Mothers cannot nurse

childrenchildren High rates of certain High rates of certain

cancers, birth defectscancers, birth defects

Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Energy and WeaponsWeapons

Both require nuclear fissionBoth require nuclear fission Some countries pursuing nuclear Some countries pursuing nuclear

powerpower Materials could be used for weaponsMaterials could be used for weapons

Reprocess spent fuel to make Reprocess spent fuel to make plutoniumplutonium

Storing plutonium is dangerousStoring plutonium is dangerous

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Link Between Nuclear Energy and Link Between Nuclear Energy and

Nuclear WeaponsNuclear Weapons Fission is the process involved in bothFission is the process involved in both Countries with nuclear power plants have Countries with nuclear power plants have

access to material for nuclear weaponsaccess to material for nuclear weapons Spent fuels is reprocessed into plutoniumSpent fuels is reprocessed into plutonium Leaders worried about terrorist groups and Leaders worried about terrorist groups and

some nations (Iran, North Korea)some nations (Iran, North Korea)

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Link Between Nuclear Energy and Link Between Nuclear Energy and

Nuclear WeaponsNuclear Weapons Several hundred metric tons of plutonium Several hundred metric tons of plutonium

available worldwideavailable worldwide Security nightmareSecurity nightmare Just a few kilograms are necessary for bombs Just a few kilograms are necessary for bombs

of the magnitude used to destroyed Nagasaki of the magnitude used to destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima in WWIIand Hiroshima in WWII

Radioactive WastesRadioactive Wastes

Low-levelLow-level Solids, liquids, gasesSolids, liquids, gases Give off small amounts of radiationGive off small amounts of radiation

High-levelHigh-level Solids, liquids, gasesSolids, liquids, gases Give off large amounts of radiationGive off large amounts of radiation Fuel rods, assembliesFuel rods, assemblies Highly dangerousHighly dangerous

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Radioactive WastesRadioactive Wastes

Low-LevelLow-Level Give off small amounts of radioactive energyGive off small amounts of radioactive energy Glassware, tools, paper, clothing, etc.Glassware, tools, paper, clothing, etc. Produced by power plants, nuclear medical facilities, Produced by power plants, nuclear medical facilities,

university research labsuniversity research labs Stored in 4 sites in the USStored in 4 sites in the US

High-LevelHigh-Level Give off large amounts of radiationGive off large amounts of radiation Produced during nuclear fission in reactorsProduced during nuclear fission in reactors

Fuel rods and assemblies, coolants, air and gases from reactor, Fuel rods and assemblies, coolants, air and gases from reactor, reprocessing of spent fuelreprocessing of spent fuel

Among the most dangerous human-made hazardous Among the most dangerous human-made hazardous wasteswastes

Secure storage must be guaranteed for thousands of Secure storage must be guaranteed for thousands of yearsyears

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Radioactive WastesRadioactive Wastes

Recommended storageRecommended storage Stable rock formations deep in the groundStable rock formations deep in the ground

People object to have it stored under their People object to have it stored under their homes/citieshomes/cities

Radioactive WasteRadioactive Waste Spent fuelSpent fuel

Used fuel elementsUsed fuel elements Very dangerous, extremely toxicVery dangerous, extremely toxic Must be handled and stored properlyMust be handled and stored properly

Yucca MountainYucca Mountain 1982: Nuclear Waste Policy Act1982: Nuclear Waste Policy Act

Federal government responsible for Federal government responsible for radioactive wastesradioactive wastes

Must find safe location(s)Must find safe location(s) Yucca Mountain, NevadaYucca Mountain, Nevada

Billions spent studying Billions spent studying geologygeology

Permanent, underground Permanent, underground storagestorage

Yucca MountainYucca Mountain

Transporting waste is a major concernTransporting waste is a major concern Nevada does not want the wasteNevada does not want the waste Decision pendingDecision pending

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy Nuclear Waste management is the Nuclear Waste management is the

biggest obstacle to increased nuclear biggest obstacle to increased nuclear power in USpower in US

It will be decades before deep underground It will be decades before deep underground storage facilities are developedstorage facilities are developed

Nuclear Waste Policy Act - 1982Nuclear Waste Policy Act - 1982 Federal government has the burden of developing Federal government has the burden of developing

permanent sites for storage of radioactive wastepermanent sites for storage of radioactive waste Congress identified Yucca Mountain, NV as the Congress identified Yucca Mountain, NV as the

only candidate for a storage facilityonly candidate for a storage facility 2009 Obama administration withdrew support for this 2009 Obama administration withdrew support for this

site- No new site has been identifiedsite- No new site has been identified Billions of dollars were spent on feasibility studiesBillions of dollars were spent on feasibility studies

Deep-underground storage is safest and best Deep-underground storage is safest and best long-term optionlong-term option

Old Nuclear Power PlantsOld Nuclear Power Plants

Cannot simply be abandoned or Cannot simply be abandoned or demolisheddemolished

Three optionsThree options Storage: guard it, dismantle laterStorage: guard it, dismantle later Entombment: encase in concreteEntombment: encase in concrete Decommission: immediate Decommission: immediate

teardown and permanent storageteardown and permanent storage

EnviroDiscoveryEnviroDiscovery A Nuclear Waste NightmareA Nuclear Waste Nightmare

Over past 3 decades Soviet (now Over past 3 decades Soviet (now Russian) practices have violated Russian) practices have violated international standardsinternational standards

Billions of gallons of radioactive Billions of gallons of radioactive waste pumped directly waste pumped directly undergroundunderground

Wastes dumped into the ocean, Wastes dumped into the ocean, more than double of the waste of more than double of the waste of 12 nuclear nations combined12 nuclear nations combined

Potential health and environmental Potential health and environmental hazards unknownhazards unknown