Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire - Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry. Nuclear Activities
Friday, May 1, 2020
Oil News: Just How Big Is the Biggest-Ever Slump in World Demand? - Bloomberg
Oil News: Just How Big Is the Biggest-Ever Slump in World Demand? - Bloomberg: How low can you go? That seems to be the question bothering the world’s big-three oil forecasting agencies as they grapple to come to terms with the size of the slump in oil consumption triggered by the international response to the Covid-19 virus.
Southern Company (SO) Q1 Earnings Top, Vogtle Timeline Intact | Nasdaq
Southern Company (SO) Q1 Earnings Top, Vogtle Timeline Intact | Nasdaq: Power supplier Southern Company SO reported first-quarter 2020 earnings per share (excluding certain one-time items) of 78 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 72 cents and the year-ago profit of 70 cents. The robust performance primarily stemmed from positive effec
Indian Point nuclear-reactor shutdown a huge blow to NY's environment
Indian Point nuclear-reactor shutdown a huge blow to NY's environment: The workhorse, Westchester-based nuclear-power generator, which could have run for several more decades, is scheduled to be unplugged Thursday.
Amid COVID-19, Deep Borehole Disposal Of Nuclear Waste Marches Forward
Amid COVID-19, Deep Borehole Disposal Of Nuclear Waste Marches Forward: Deep Isolation announced the completion of a Post-Closure Safety Analysis for their proposed deep borehole disposal of nuclear waste. It shows that, even under the worst conditions, possible radioactivity releases are a thousand times less than the normal background radiation of anywhere in America.
Russia’s most radioactive ship reaches dismantlement milestone - Bellona.org
Russia’s most radioactive ship reaches dismantlement milestone - Bellona.org: The Lepse service ship, once the most glaring nuclear hazard in the Murmansk harbor, will now be emptied of nearly all of its radioactive …
COVID-19 the ‘biggest shock to energy system’ in decades says IEA - Power Engineering International
COVID-19 the ‘biggest shock to energy system’ in decades says IEA - Power Engineering International: The Covid-19 pandemic is the “biggest shock to the global energy system in more than seven decades” according to a new report from the International Energy Agency.
ARC And Centrus Announces Plans To Cooperate On US Enrichment Capacity :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
ARC And Centrus Announces Plans To Cooperate On US Enrichment Capacity :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: Advanced Reactor Concepts, developer of the ARC-100 sodium-cooled fast reactor, has signed a letter of intent with Centrus Energy Corp to cooperate on deployment of US uranium enrichment capacity to produce high-assay, low-enriched uranium (Haleu) fuel.
Centrus said that while the letter is non-binding and non-exclusive, it reflects the parties’ long-term commitment to enter into a purchase agreement that would enable Centrus to supply the commercial Haleu fuel that ARC needs to deploy the ARC-100 reactor technology in the late 2020s.
The US-based company said Haleu fuel could power both existing and next-generation nuclear reactors, including the ARC-100. According to Maryland-based ARC, the plant’s inherent safety features and passive decay heat removal capabilities, combined with the improved power density of Haleu fuel, allow for a smaller, simpler, less-capital intensive reactor design. Unlike existing light-water reactors, which must be refuelled with low-enriched uranium (LEU) every 18 to 24 months, the Haleu core of the ARC-100 will allow the reactor to operate at full power for 20 years
Centrus said that while the letter is non-binding and non-exclusive, it reflects the parties’ long-term commitment to enter into a purchase agreement that would enable Centrus to supply the commercial Haleu fuel that ARC needs to deploy the ARC-100 reactor technology in the late 2020s.
The US-based company said Haleu fuel could power both existing and next-generation nuclear reactors, including the ARC-100. According to Maryland-based ARC, the plant’s inherent safety features and passive decay heat removal capabilities, combined with the improved power density of Haleu fuel, allow for a smaller, simpler, less-capital intensive reactor design. Unlike existing light-water reactors, which must be refuelled with low-enriched uranium (LEU) every 18 to 24 months, the Haleu core of the ARC-100 will allow the reactor to operate at full power for 20 years
A 770-ton chunk of the San Onofre nuclear power plant is getting shipped to Utah - The San Diego Union-Tribune
A 770-ton chunk of the San Onofre nuclear power plant is getting shipped to Utah - The San Diego Union-Tribune: A reactor pressure vessel will move by rail as part of the plant's dismantlement project
Silex resumed laser enrichment activities - Nuclear Engineering International
Silex resumed laser enrichment activities - Nuclear Engineering International: US-based Silex said Global Laser Enrichment on 27 April resumed operations at its laser uranium enrichment test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina.Operations were suspended in March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with all GLE staff...
Southern says coronavirus slows work on new Georgia Vogtle nuclear reactors in U.S - Reuters
Southern says coronavirus slows work on new Georgia Vogtle nuclear reactors in U.S - Reuters: U.S. energy company Southern Co said on Thursday that steps to protect workers from the coronavirus slowed progress on one of the two long-delayed reactors under construction at its Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia by a couple months.
Scientists examine hurdles to US plutonium disposal plan
Scientists examine hurdles to US plutonium disposal plan: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Security and the availability of space at the U.S. government’s only underground nuclear waste repository are among the challenges identified by a group of scientists and...
A PG&E bankruptcy timeline: The road to Chapter 11 and beyond | Utility Dive
A PG&E bankruptcy timeline: The road to Chapter 11 and beyond | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Radiation effective for PPE, but not masks, says IAEA : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
Radiation effective for PPE, but not masks, says IAEA : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Radiation is an "effective and established" tool to sterilise personal protective equipment (PPE) that is in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for respiratory face masks as it weakens their filters, the International Atomic Energy Agency said yesterday.
Ontario nuclear supply chain joins COVID-19 response : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
Ontario nuclear supply chain joins COVID-19 response : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Bruce Power yesterday launched an initiative to leverage the supply chain developed for the Bruce Life Extension Programme to assist in the province's fight against the coronavirus and to help the economic recovery. The Bruce Power Retooling and Economic Recovery Council will include all of Bruce Power’s Ontario-based suppliers and will focus on the continued retooling of the supply chain to meet frontline COVID-19 needs.
Acorn project wins £2.7m funding to test conversion of North Sea gas to hydrogen - News for the Oil and Gas Sector | The Energy Collective Daily
Acorn project wins £2.7m funding to test conversion of North Sea gas to hydrogen - News for the Oil and Gas Sector | The Energy Collective Daily |
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- Acorn project wins £2.7m funding to test conversion of North Sea gas to hydrogen - News for the Oil and Gas Sector
- Shell boss says oil may never recover as supermajor shields energy transition projects | Recharge
- We Need Cleaner Cars to Avoid Dangerous Climate Change
- Coal Region Economic Transformation in China
- FPL’s SolarTogether Points Florida toward a Sunnier Future
- The Interview: Post-COVID Recovery Becomes Added Lens for Climate, Energy Efficiency Programs, Dunsky Says
- California must defend rules to protect health, especially now
- New Methane Emissions Calculations: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
- Gas Appliances Pollute Indoor and Outdoor Air, Study Shows
- The 100% Solution: How States Across the U.S. Are Determining Their Own Clean Energy Futures
- These two programs will help California reach its carbon-neutral goals
- Groundbreaking clean truck initiative will reduce air pollution in California
- Study tries to untangle shale gas and coal impacts on Ohio groundwater
- Pandemic’s Economic Hit Threatens Off-Grid Power in Developing Countries
Recap: PG&E Q1 Earnings | Benzinga
Recap: PG&E Q1 Earnings | Benzinga: Shares of PG&E (NYSE:PCG) fell 2.6% in pre-market trading after the company reported Q1 results.
Quarterly Results
Earnings per share fell 14.42% over ...
Quarterly Results
Earnings per share fell 14.42% over ...
PG&E Says On Track For Bankruptcy Court Confirmation Of Reorganization Plan | Nasdaq
PG&E Says On Track For Bankruptcy Court Confirmation Of Reorganization Plan | Nasdaq: (RTTNews) - While reporting its first-quarter financial results on Friday, PG&E Corp. (PCG) said it continues to make substantial progress in reorganization cases under Chapter 11 and remains on track for Bankruptcy Court confirmation of its Plan of Reorganization by June 30
PG&E Corporation Reports First-Quarter 2020 Financial Results | Coronavirus | baytownsun.com
PG&E Corporation Reports First-Quarter 2020 Financial Results | Coronavirus | baytownsun.com: SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2020--
SF Judge Orders PG&E to Revamp Inspections and Record-Keeping to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires – NBC Bay Area
SF Judge Orders PG&E to Revamp Inspections and Record-Keeping to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires – NBC Bay Area: A federal judge ordered PG&E on Wednesday to hire its own crew of tree inspectors and keep records of the age of every piece of equipment on its transmission...
AFRICA: Could nuclear power outpace renewables? | Afrik 21
AFRICA: Could nuclear power outpace renewables? | Afrik 21: As Africa seeks clean energy, interest in nuclear power is growing. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), one-third of the more than 30 countries in the world considering nuclear power are in Africa. With all the risks that this entails.
A Nuclear Power Side Venture: Medical Isotope Production
A Nuclear Power Side Venture: Medical Isotope Production: Earlier this year, nuclear technology giant Framatome and power sector lifecycle management service company Kinectrics launched an Ontario-based joint venture, Isogen, whose mission is to enable the use of
nuclear power generation: Worldwide lockdowns to reduce nuclear power output by 3 per cent in 2020, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld
nuclear power generation: Worldwide lockdowns to reduce nuclear power output by 3 per cent in 2020, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld: When it comes to India, nuclear power plants of 7,000 megawatt (MW) capacity are currently under various phases of construction
Nuclear Plant Upstream from Manhattan to Shut Down | Manufacturing.net
Nuclear Plant Upstream from Manhattan to Shut Down | Manufacturing.net: Indian Point generated a quarter of the electricity used in New York and its suburbs just three years ago.
IAEA Nuclear Reactor Simulators See Rise in Use as Learning Continues amid Lockdown | IAEA
IAEA Nuclear Reactor Simulators See Rise in Use as Learning Continues amid Lockdown | IAEA: Students and professionals in the nuclear power field are taking on learning opportunities while being housebound during the COVID-19 pandemic. Requests to use the IAEA’s basic principle nuclear reactor simulators have risen sharply in recent weeks. New users will have the opportunity to learn more about operating them at an IAEA webinar on 12 May.
Georgie Power's Vogtle, Sole US Nuclear Plant Under Construction, Plods Forward Despite Coronavirus Infections | Greentech Media
Georgie Power's Vogtle, Sole US Nuclear Plant Under Construction, Plods Forward Despite Coronavirus Infections | Greentech Media: Workforce reduction and other safety measures are building a backlog at Southern Company’s much-delayed Plant Vogtle.
POWER Nuclear Notebook: Centrus Deal for Commercial HALEU Supply, Potential Advanced Reactor Demonstration in Ohio
POWER Nuclear Notebook: Centrus Deal for Commercial HALEU Supply, Potential Advanced Reactor Demonstration in Ohio: Several industry-led developments and a possible new advanced nuclear demonstration have been announced since the White House working group laid out a
Meltdown : NPR
Meltdown : NPR: In the early hours of March 28, 1979, a system malfunction began what would become the worst nuclear accident in American history. What ensued punctured the public's belief in the safety of nuclear energy and became an awful study in the consequences of communication breakdown during a crisis. This week, the fallout of who and what to trust when a catastrophic event occurs.
Indian Point Reactor Retired, Putting Plant 1 Year From Full Shutdown - ExchangeMonitor
Indian Point Reactor Retired, Putting Plant 1 Year From Full Shutdown - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Pennsylvania Presses Funding Concerns on Three Mile Island Reactor Decommissioning - ExchangeMonitor
Pennsylvania Presses Funding Concerns on Three Mile Island Reactor Decommissioning - ExchangeMonitor: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
A 770-ton chunk of the San Onofre nuclear power plant is getting shipped to Utah - The San Diego Union-Tribune
A 770-ton chunk of the San Onofre nuclear power plant is getting shipped to Utah - The San Diego Union-Tribune: A reactor pressure vessel will move by rail as part of the plant's dismantlement project
After decades, the heart of a nuclear reactor will finally leave San Onofre – Orange County Register
After decades, the heart of a nuclear reactor will finally leave San Onofre – Orange County Register: The reactor pressure vessel for Unit 1, the first of three reactors on site, will get a permanent home in Utah.
Open Vessel Testing complete for Vogtle Unit 3
Open Vessel Testing complete for Vogtle Unit 3: Open Vessel Testing, a major systems testing milestone, has been completed for Unit 3 at Georgia Power's Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia, marking one of the most significant accomplishments in the project to date.
Silex resumed laser enrichment activities - Nuclear Engineering International
Silex resumed laser enrichment activities - Nuclear Engineering International: US-based Silex said Global Laser Enrichment on 27 April resumed operations at its laser uranium enrichment test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina.Operations were suspended in March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with all GLE staff...
NRC Issues Additional Guidance on Regulatory Relief from Respiratory Protection Program Requirements - Lexology
NRC Issues Additional Guidance on Regulatory Relief from Respiratory Protection Program Requirements - Lexology: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a letter on April 27 to the Nuclear Energy Institute and the National Organization of Test…
Indian Point Unit 2 Permanently Shuts Down Today | WAMC
Indian Point Unit 2 Permanently Shuts Down Today | WAMC: The first of two functioning reactors at the Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York’s Westchester County will be permanently shut down Thursday.
Fukushima Update May 1, 2020
Fukushima Update May 1, 2020 –
Removal of the top half of F. Daiichi units
1&2 exhaust stack is finished… The NRA has completed its safety assessment
of damaged F. Daiichi buildings.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Farkas Releases Indian Point Federal Accountability Shutdown Plan | Chappaqua, NY Patch
Farkas Releases Indian Point Federal Accountability Shutdown Plan | Chappaqua, NY Patch: Farkas Releases Indian Point Federal... - Chappaqua-Mount Kisco, NY - Calls for Federal Support for Impacted Communities and Reforms to Increase Accountability & Promote Renewable Energy;
Sets 5/13 Forum
Sets 5/13 Forum
Industry Seeks Clarity on White House Nuclear Strategy
Industry Seeks Clarity on White House Nuclear Strategy: Propelled in part by the White House Nuclear Fuel Working Group’s (NFWG’s) recent roadmap to strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, the nation's nuclear
Fed board grants hearing to activist group challenging Fermi 2 license extension | Toledo Blade
Fed board grants hearing to activist group challenging Fermi 2 license extension | Toledo Blade: NEWPORT, Mich. — A group concerned about the stability of spent nuclear fuel stored inside DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant has been granted a hearing to ...
SONGS Used-Fuel Offload Gets Strong Marks in NRC Inspections - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
SONGS Used-Fuel Offload Gets Strong Marks in NRC Inspections - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
DOE Renews Non-Competitive Financial Assistance Renewal Grant for the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center | Department of Energy
DOE Renews Non-Competitive Financial Assistance Renewal Grant for the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center | Department of Energy: DOE Renews Non-Competitive Financial Assistance Renewal Grant for the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center
(2) PG&E: repeat problem may have sparked Camp Fire - YouTube
(2) PG&E: repeat problem may have sparked Camp Fire - YouTube: Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
$13.5B PG&E Bankruptcy Deal Shorts Fire Victims, Judge Told - Law360
$13.5B PG&E Bankruptcy Deal Shorts Fire Victims, Judge Told - Law360: A group of wildfire victims claim that the market downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means their $13.5 billion settlement with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has lost significant value, asking a California federal judge Monday to hold an estimation trial on the amount the utility owes to victims.
PG&E promotes partnership with Independent Living Centers for aid during shut-offs – Chico Enterprise-Record
PG&E promotes partnership with Independent Living Centers for aid during shut-offs – Chico Enterprise-Record: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers are encouraging vulnerable community members to prepare now for power shut-offs during high fire risk by ta…
Amid coronavirus, PG&E and cities block solar and batteries - Los Angeles Times
Amid coronavirus, PG&E and cities block solar and batteries - Los Angeles Times: Some solar workers have been ordered down from rooftops after neighbors called the police, solar industry officials say.
When will PG&E begin shutoffs this fire season? Webinar happening tonight | KRCR
When will PG&E begin shutoffs this fire season? Webinar happening tonight | KRCR: Public safety power shutoffs for PG&E customers are expected as the Northstate enters another fire season. The utility says they are working with county health officials and medical providers to look into back-up power as some of these shutoffs may occur while customers are still under the Governor's stay-at-home order. Wednesday, April 29, a webinar is scheduled for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers in Butte, Plumas and Lassen counties.
Fires are coming. But PG&E and some cities are holding up battery backups
Fires are coming. But PG&E and some cities are holding up battery backups: Some solar workers have been ordered down from rooftops after neighbors called the police, solar industry officials say.
Judge orders PG&E to overhaul power line inspections, record-keeping - SFChronicle.com
Judge orders PG&E to overhaul power line inspections, record-keeping - SFChronicle.com: The judge overseeing PG&E’s probation is making the company revamp its high-voltage power line inspections, improve record keeping and manage its tree trimming better.
PG&E Ordered by Judge to Overhaul Tree Trimming, Line Inspections - WSJ
PG&E Ordered by Judge to Overhaul Tree Trimming, Line Inspections - WSJ: The company is criticized for failing to maintain key parts of its electric grid even as it paid millions of dollars in dividends and made political contributions.
Steam Generators for Nuclear Power Market Research Report 2020-2025 | also understand the impact of COVID-19 situation across the globe - MR Invasion
Steam Generators for Nuclear Power Market Research Report 2020-2025 | also understand the impact of COVID-19 situation across the globe - MR Invasion: Overview of Steam Generators for Nuclear Power Market Report 2020 The report has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the Steam Generators for Nuclear Power market collected from specialized sources. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. company …
Batch of nuclear fuel delivered to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant — Russian embassy - World - TASS
Batch of nuclear fuel delivered to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant — Russian embassy - World - TASS: On April 12, a deputy head of Iran's atomic agency, Mahmoud Jafari, announced that Bushehr’s Unit 1 will be temporarily shut down for refueling and technical maintenance
Letter: Nuclear power must compete in the deregulated market - News - telegram.com - Worcester, MA
Letter: Nuclear power must compete in the deregulated market - News - telegram.com - Worcester, MA: Two more nuclear power plants in New York just announced that they will be shut down for good in the next few months. The main reason being the availability of cheap natural gas has made deregulated generates unable to compete as the wholesale price for electricity declines. (Kind of makes you wonder why electric rates in Massachusetts and New York are at historic highs). So while state legislators write laws requiring utilities to purchase more and more green electricity at very high
Finland performs remote inspection of new nuclear plant project : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
Finland performs remote inspection of new nuclear plant project : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Finnish nuclear regulator STUK has carried out a scheduled inspection of RAOS Project Oy - a subsidiary of Russia's Rosatom - via Skype, in line with social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Global Nuclear Power Plant and Equipment Market 2020 | Present Scenario and Growth Prospects 2026 - MR Invasion
Global Nuclear Power Plant and Equipment Market 2020 | Present Scenario and Growth Prospects 2026 - MR Invasion: Global Nuclear Power Plant and Equipment Market 2020 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2025 offers a broader picture of the market which comprehensively provides a quick of crucial facts consisting of analytical elaboration, and other industry-linked information. The report covers the key aspects related to on-going events such as mergers & acquisitions, …
Regulator Conducts Skype Inspection for Nuclear Power Project
Regulator Conducts Skype Inspection for Nuclear Power Project: Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), which regulates the nation’s nuclear power industry, completed a scheduled inspection of RAOS
Federal appeals court dismisses case against GE over Fukushima nuclear disaster - JURIST - News - Legal News & Commentary
Federal appeals court dismisses case against GE over Fukushima nuclear disaster - JURIST - News - Legal News & Commentary: The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit by numerous Japanese individuals and business who hoped to sue General Electric (GE) over its role in building and mai...
Invest in nuclear for a clean economic recovery : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
Invest in nuclear for a clean economic recovery : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: "Governments need to take urgent action to ensure that the recovery from the economic effects of the coronavirus brings long-lasting good," World Nuclear Association Director General Agneta Rising said today. Her message concurs with sentiment expressed at the 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue this week, that governments must ensure their efforts to stimulate the world economy must also strengthen the fight against climate change.
IEA: Coronavirus delivers "biggest shock" to energy system in 7 decades - Axios
IEA: Coronavirus delivers "biggest shock" to energy system in 7 decades - Axios: It's the "biggest shock to the global energy system in seven decades," the IEA said.
Sen. Murkowski lauds DOE efforts to renew US nuclear energy dominance - Daily Energy Insider
Sen. Murkowski lauds DOE efforts to renew US nuclear energy dominance - Daily Energy Insider: Following a report from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) on methods capable of restoring the nation’s place in the global nuclear energy industry, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released a statement commending the ... Read More »
Energy Secretary Brouillette on the Future of the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry « The Hugh Hewitt Show
Energy Secretary Brouillette on the Future of the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry « The Hugh Hewitt Show: Energy Secretary Brouillette joined me this morning. The Department of Energy released a comprehensive strategy on restoring American leadership in all
In 2019, U.S energy production exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
In 2019, U.S energy production exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide: In 2019, for the first time since 1957, energy production exceeded energy consumption in the United States on an annual basis, according to the U.S. Energy
Beware Politicians Declaring War On Local Power Sources | RealClearMarkets
Beware Politicians Declaring War On Local Power Sources | RealClearMarkets: Ventilators aren’t much use when there’s no power to run them. Doctors who can’t see their patients can’t do very much to help them. Which is why
Earth Day Hangover? Wait Until You See the Tab | RealClearEnergy
Earth Day Hangover? Wait Until You See the Tab | RealClearEnergy: Last week marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a time when many take to social media to celebrate so-called “green” energy and call for broad government support. It’s for t
Indian Point nuclear-reactor shutdown a huge blow to NY's environment
Indian Point nuclear-reactor shutdown a huge blow to NY's environment: The workhorse, Westchester-based nuclear-power generator, which could have run for several more decades, is scheduled to be unplugged Thursday.
How many intensive care beds will a nuclear weapon explosion require? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
How many intensive care beds will a nuclear weapon explosion require? - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: A novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China late last year, hopping in one way or another from other animals to humans. Initially the rest of the world thought this outbreak was a local problem and then was shocked at the brutality of the lockdown that the Chinese authorities clamped on Wuhan to quarantine the infection … Continued
Climate change and the coronavirus are upending the way we fight wildfires - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Climate change and the coronavirus are upending the way we fight wildfires - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: A wildland firefighter describes how climate change is changing fire behavior and putting him and his colleagues at growing risk—a risk that will be compounded by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Tracking the impact of coronavirus on the US power sector
Tracking the impact of coronavirus on the US power sector
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/tracking-the-impacts-of-coronavirus-on-the-us-power-sector/574514/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-04-30%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27069%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
California eyes expedited microgrid deployment to help with fire season power shut-offs
California eyes expedited microgrid deployment to help with fire season power shut-offs
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-eyes-expedited-microgrid-deployment-to-help-with-fire-season-pow/577060/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-04-30%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27069%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
FERC confirms Goldman Sachs ties to renewables company, opening door for push on corporate transparency
FERC confirms Goldman Sachs ties to renewables company, opening door for push on corporate transparency
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-confirms-goldman-sachs-ties-to-renewables-company-opening-door-for-pu/577029/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-04-30%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27069%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
Judge calls PG&E vegetation work 'sloppy and unreliable,' imposes new conditions on the utility
Judge calls PG&E vegetation work 'sloppy and unreliable,' imposes new conditions on the utility
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/judge-calls-pge-vegetation-work-sloppy-and-unreliable-imposes-new-condi/577084/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-04-30%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27069%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
GE renewables takes Q1 revenue hit, but results more about execution than COVID-19, CEO says
GE renewables takes Q1 revenue hit, but results more about execution than COVID-19, CEO says
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ge-renewables-takes-q1-revenue-hit-but-results-more-about-execution-than-c/577086/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202020-04-30%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:27069%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive
Ukraine prepares to reduce output during pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
Ukraine prepares to reduce output during pandemic : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Energoatom will temporarily withdraw from service three of its 15 nuclear power units in line with forecasts of reduced electricity demand during the coronavirus pandemic. The projected balance of electricity production by Ukraine's nuclear power plants this year has decreased by 8.6% to 73.7 terawatt hours, the state-run company said today.
Entergy closes Indian Point unit 2 : Corporate - World Nuclear News
Entergy closes Indian Point unit 2 : Corporate - World Nuclear News: Unit 2 of Entergy's Indian Point nuclear power plant will be shut down for the final time today after more than 45 years of operation. Unit 3, the remaining operating unit at the site in the state of New York, is scheduled to be permanently shut down by this time next year.
IEA charts COVID-19 decline in global energy demand and emissions : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
IEA charts COVID-19 decline in global energy demand and emissions : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Overall energy demand will fall 6% in 2020, while demand for electricity is set to decline by 5%, according to a report by the International Energy Agency assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global energy system. Global carbon dioxide emissions are expected to decline by almost 8% compared with 2019.
Belarusian nuclear power plant permitted to import nuclear fuel
Belarusian nuclear power plant permitted to import nuclear fuel: The Emergencies Ministry has decided in favor of amending the nuclear energy use license of the state enterprise Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. The amendment is focused on the handling of fresh nuclear fuel in the course of its storage and transportation.
South Korea Completes First Section Of Vacuum Vessel :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency
South Korea Completes First Section Of Vacuum Vessel :: The Independent Global Nuclear News Agency: The first of seven sections of the vacuum vessel for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) under construction in southern France has been produced in South Korea and is being prepared for shipping.
The vacuum vessel is a 5,000-tonne steel chamber designed to house the world's first reactor-scale fusion plasma at Iter.
Iter said that according to its machine assembly plan, section number six of the vacuum vessel, manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries, will be shipped to Iter’s Cadarache site followed by section number seven, which is also being manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries and is more than 90% complete.
The vacuum vessel is a 5,000-tonne steel chamber designed to house the world's first reactor-scale fusion plasma at Iter.
Iter said that according to its machine assembly plan, section number six of the vacuum vessel, manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries, will be shipped to Iter’s Cadarache site followed by section number seven, which is also being manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries and is more than 90% complete.
Milestone achieved on China's HTR-PM - Nuclear Engineering International
Milestone achieved on China's HTR-PM - Nuclear Engineering International: China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced a significant milestone in the construction of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor project at Shidaowan in East China's Shandong province.Officials said the steam generator shell,...
Lightbridge to design metallic fuel samples for US DOE - Nuclear Engineering International
Lightbridge to design metallic fuel samples for US DOE - Nuclear Engineering International: Lightbridge Corporation, has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with Battelle Energy Alliance, the operator of the US Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to design an experiment for irradiation of...
Advocacy Group Goes to Court to Fight Sinking of New Shaft at WIPP - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1
Advocacy Group Goes to Court to Fight Sinking of New Shaft at WIPP - ExchangeMonitor | Page 1: ExchangeMonitor covers nuclear weapons, waste management, nuclear cleanup, international intelligence as well as carbon capture and storage.
Fed board grants hearing to activist group challenging Fermi 2 license extension | Toledo Blade
Fed board grants hearing to activist group challenging Fermi 2 license extension | Toledo Blade: NEWPORT, Mich. — A group concerned about the stability of spent nuclear fuel stored inside DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant has been granted a hearing to ...
Curtain lowers on nuke plant a stone’s throw from Manhattan
Curtain lowers on nuke plant a stone’s throw from Manhattan
https://apnews.com/41b32c474b9aa75bf4261bdac1816e22
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
In 2019, U.S energy production exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
In 2019, U.S energy production exceeded consumption for the first time in 62 years | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide: In 2019, for the first time since 1957, energy production exceeded energy consumption in the United States on an annual basis, according to the U.S. Energy
Canada's nuclear industry rallies together in fight against COVID-19
Canada's nuclear industry rallies together in fight against COVID-19: /CNW/ - Redeploying 3-D printers to produce face shields; supplying isotopes to help sterilize critical medical equipment; donating more than 2.1 million...
Beware Politicians Declaring War On Local Power Sources | RealClearMarkets
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Sea level rise threatens UK nuclear reactor plans | Climate News Network
Sea level rise threatens UK nuclear reactor plans | Climate News Network: 28 April, 2020 – Sea level rise may consign the planned UK site for two large nuclear reactors to vanish beneath the waves.
Nuclear Fusion - ITER | Tokamak Fusion Reactors
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French regulator to monitor safety when EDF nuclear plants resume activities - Reuters
French regulator to monitor safety when EDF nuclear plants resume activities - Reuters: France's nuclear regulator will keep a close eye on workers' safety at nuclear power plants run by utility EDF when they resume activities suspended during the coronavirus outbreak, the watchdog said on Tuesday.
Legislative committee puts landfill limit on radioactive waste from oil and gas on hold ~ Missoula Current
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Low Oil Prices May Kill Off The Next Nuclear Boom Before It Begins | OilPrice.com
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Energy Secretary Brouillette on the Future of the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry « The Hugh Hewitt Show
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Environmentalists call for Indian Point to stay open; mine extends production suspension
Environmentalists call for Indian Point to stay open; mine extends production suspension
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Robots face nuclear challenge in European project
Robots face nuclear challenge in European project
https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/robots-face-nuclear-challenge-european-project?utm_campaign=NEI%2029APR20%20Newsletter%20%28NEIdcom%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=1e6b9a21fbb846e09fad688e3421a76c&elq=1c17abafed5e44cda5742e77ddf36ca7&elqaid=53113&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=33854New tech may save waning US nuclear influence
New tech may save waning US nuclear influence
https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/new-tech-may-save-waning-us-nuclear-influence?utm_campaign=NEI%2029APR20%20Newsletter%20%28NEIdcom%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=1cdf1c706d8046aeb63d083282e3595f&elq=1c17abafed5e44cda5742e77ddf36ca7&elqaid=53113&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=33854
World’s First Offshore Green Hydrogen Project - PosHYdon pilot | The Energy Collective Daily
World’s First Offshore Green Hydrogen Project - PosHYdon pilot | The Energy Collective Daily |
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Lightbridge Corp. Signs Onto GAIN R&D Project - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
Lightbridge Corp. Signs Onto GAIN R&D Project - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.
Framatome Contracts Support FRMII And Taishan NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
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Framatome Contracts Support FRMII And Taishan NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers
Framatome Contracts Support FRMII And Taishan NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.
NGOs demand place for nuclear in EU Taxonomy : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
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Are salt deposits a solution for nuclear waste disposal? | EurekAlert! Science News
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French regulator to monitor safety when EDF nuclear plants ...
French regulator to monitor safety when EDF nuclear plants ...: HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/FRANCE-NUCLEARPOWER (PIX):French regulator to monitor safety when EDF nuclear plants resume activities
Finland performs remote inspection of new nuclear plant project : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News
Finland performs remote inspection of new nuclear plant project : Covid-19 - World Nuclear News: Finnish nuclear regulator STUK has carried out a scheduled inspection of RAOS Project Oy - a subsidiary of Russia's Rosatom - via Skype, in line with social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ginna Nuclear Power Plant testing sirens on May 5 | WHAM
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Curtain lowers on nuke plant a stone's throw from Manhattan - The Hour
Curtain lowers on nuke plant a stone's throw from Manhattan - The Hour: ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - With the push of a red button, one of the two operating reactors at an aging nuclear plant serving millions of people in the New York City area will shut down Thursday night as federal regulators consider the owner's proposal to sell it to a company that plans to demolish it.
The Unit 2 reactor at the Indian Point Energy Center along the Hudson River will close for good Thursday, and Unit 3 will close in April 2021, as part of a deal reached in January 2017 between Entergy Corp., the state of New York and the environmental group Riverkeeper.
The plant generated a quarter of the electricity used in New York City and suburban Westchester County, where the plant is located, in 2017. But the corporation that runs the state's electrical grid concluded the closure won't impair its ability to keep the lights on because new natural gas plants and efficiency measures are picking up the slack.
Operators will press a button that inserts control rods into the reactor adjacent to the nuclear fuel, Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi said Tuesday. The control rods absorb neutrons, which stops the fission that creates the energy.
Staffing will be reduced from about 800 to 30
The Unit 2 reactor at the Indian Point Energy Center along the Hudson River will close for good Thursday, and Unit 3 will close in April 2021, as part of a deal reached in January 2017 between Entergy Corp., the state of New York and the environmental group Riverkeeper.
The plant generated a quarter of the electricity used in New York City and suburban Westchester County, where the plant is located, in 2017. But the corporation that runs the state's electrical grid concluded the closure won't impair its ability to keep the lights on because new natural gas plants and efficiency measures are picking up the slack.
Operators will press a button that inserts control rods into the reactor adjacent to the nuclear fuel, Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi said Tuesday. The control rods absorb neutrons, which stops the fission that creates the energy.
Staffing will be reduced from about 800 to 30
DOE Marks Major Progress in Groundwater Cleanup Mission at Nevada Site
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GE Power Plays: Wind Might Blow Coal, Gas And Nuclear Away (NYSE:GE) | Seeking Alpha
GE Power Plays: Wind Might Blow Coal, Gas And Nuclear Away (NYSE:GE) | Seeking Alpha: GE offshore wind: massive offshore turbine Haliade-X 12MW looks like a winner. GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy may be a receding opportunity. GE might sell its steam
Power Up: Governors-turned-senators take up the charge for state aid in Congress - The Washington Post
Power Up: Governors-turned-senators take up the charge for state aid in Congress - The Washington Post: It’s the half-trillion-dollar question, as lawmakers eye another relief package.
Indian Point's Unit 2 reactor prepares to shut down for good, ending nuclear optimism era - News - recordonline.com - Middletown, NY
Indian Point's Unit 2 reactor prepares to shut down for good, ending nuclear optimism era - News - recordonline.com - Middletown, NY: Indian Point’s Unit 2 reactor ascended along the shores of the Hudson River in the late 1960s at a time of great optimism for the nuclear power movement in the U.S.Engineers had just perfected a method to harness nuclear power that had gone into producing the atomic bomb used during World War II and turned it into a dependable, cost-effective energy source for homes and businesses. There was talk of building 200 reactors across the country.The water-pressured Unit 2 reactor started
US recommends bold steps to assert global nuclear fuel market domination - Nuclear Engineering International
US recommends bold steps to assert global nuclear fuel market domination - Nuclear Engineering International: The US Nuclear Fuel Working Group's (NFWG) has published a report, Restoring America's Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage: A strategy to assure US National Security, aimed at reviving the USA's nuclear fuel...
Curtain Lowers on Nuke Plant a Stone's Throw From Manhattan - The New York Times
Curtain Lowers on Nuke Plant a Stone's Throw From Manhattan - The New York Times: With the push of a red button, one of the two operating reactors at an aging nuclear plant serving millions of people in the New York City area will shut down Thursday night as federal regulators consider the owner’s proposal to sell it to a company that plans to demolish it.
Group Plans To Fight Effort To Build Nuclear Waste Dump In New Mexico | KRWG
Group Plans To Fight Effort To Build Nuclear Waste Dump In New Mexico | KRWG: Commentary: In an astounding ruling on April 23, 2020, the four-member U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) acknowledged that an application by Holtec
NRC to Consider Regulatory Relief for Spent-Fuel Storage Sites
NRC to Consider Regulatory Relief for Spent-Fuel Storage Sites
https://www.exchangemonitor.com/nrc-consider-regulatory-relief-spent-fuel-storage-sites/?printmode=1
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Could End - Scientific American
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Could End - Scientific American: Scientific American is the essential guide to the most awe-inspiring advances in science and technology, explaining how they change our understanding of the world and shape our lives.
A Scramble for Virus Apps That Do No Harm - The New York Times
A Scramble for Virus Apps That Do No Harm - The New York Times: Dozens of tracking apps for smartphones are being used or developed to help contain the coronavirus pandemic. But there are worries about privacy and hastily written software.
The US already has the technology to test millions of people a day
The US already has the technology to test millions of people a day
Advances in biology in the past decade can provide the tools we need to revolutionize the testing process.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/28/1000671/covid-tests-millions-per-day-crispr-biotechnology-advances/?truid=e6a9a97f971519b8818ba7420a6d576d&utm_source=coronavirus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=coronavirus.unpaid.engagement&utm_content=04-29-2020
What if immunity to covid-19 doesn’t last? Researchers say people can catch mild, cold-causing coronaviruses twice in the same year.
What if immunity to covid-19 doesn’t last?
Researchers say people can catch mild, cold-causing coronaviruses twice in the same year.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/27/1000569/how-long-are-people-immune-to-covid-19/?truid=e6a9a97f971519b8818ba7420a6d576d&utm_source=coronavirus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=coronavirus.unpaid.engagement&utm_content=04-29-2020
What California counties have the highest coronavirus rates? | The Sacramento Bee
What California counties have the highest coronavirus rates? | The Sacramento Bee: Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to send signals that he may be weeks or perhaps day away from beginning to reopen the California economy, albeit slowly. He’s compared it to sliding a dimmer switch incrementally on.
IF ISRAEL PROCEEDS WITH ANNEXATION, ITS “SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” WITH THE U.S. AND WITH AMERICAN JEWS MAY COME TO AN END BY ALLAN C. BROWNFELD
This article will appear in the July issue of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
IF ISRAEL PROCEEDS WITH ANNEXATION, ITS “SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” WITH THE
U.S. AND WITH AMERICAN JEWS MAY COME TO AN END
BY
ALLAN C. BROWNFELD
————————————————————————————————————————-
In the recent Israeli election, Prime Minister Netanyahu campaigned aggressively on annexing portions of the occupied West Bank while his opponent, Benny Gantz, opposed unilateral annexation. Now, with a “unity” government with Netanyahu remaining prime minister, to be followed by Gantz, The agreement between Netanyahu and Gantz says that annexation should proceed in a way that does not harm Israel’s interests.
The Economist notes that, “Mr. Netanyahu will probably have the final say. ..Annexation of territory that the Palestinians regard as part of their future state would probably kill any hope of a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict and could ignite violence. Mr. Netanyahu will obviously want to avoid that , but he may feel he needs to move before November, when his chum Mr. Trump May be voted out of office.”
The Trump administration has viewed annexation in positive terms. Its attitude toward Israel has been described by U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman as “”an altar of holiness,”. Friedman, an ally of the settler movement and an opponent of creating a Palestinian state, referred to the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem as “a shrine.” At a ceremony in Jerusalem, he declared that Israel was “on the side of God.” Israel and the U.S., he said, should grow even closer, which would be a sign of “holiness.”
In a historic reversal of U.S. policy, the Trump administration announced in November 2019 that it does not view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal. The policy change was announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He declared: “The establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not per se inconsistent with international law.” Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed the change in U.S. policy. He said: “this policy reflects an historical truth—-that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judaea and Samaria. In fact, we are exiled Jews because we are the people of Judaea.”
The dramatic change in U.S. policy was challenged by 106 House Democrats in a letter to Pompeo, organized by Rep. Sandy Levin (D-MI), who is Jewish. They called upon him to “immediately” reverse his position. The letter was signed by 12 committee chairs, including veteran Reps. John Lewis (D-GA) and Maxine Waters (D-cA).
If Israel proceeds with annexation it may bring to an end its “special relationship” with the U.S. and with the American Jewish community. It would also challenge the idea that Israel has bipartisan support and confine its embrace to right-wing Republicans.
For Israel’s right-wing, annexation has long been a key part of its agenda. This has been the case since the area was captured and occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War. East Jerusalem was the first part of the West Bank to be annexed following the 1980 Jerusalem Law. Israeli law has been applied to Jewish settlements throughout the West Bank leading to a system of “enclave law” and claims of “creeping annexation.” Annexation of the Jordan Valley was first proposed in the 1967 Allon Plan, which was announced in September 2019 by Netanyahu as his plan. In 2009, Netanyahu endorsed the two-state solution. But before the April 2019 election he stated his intention of unilaterally annexing Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
On Sept. 16, 2019, in an interview with Israeli Army Radio, Netanyahu said, “I intend to extend sovereignty on all the settlements and the settlement blocs including sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” On Sept. 10, 2019, Netanyahu announced his plan to annex the Jordan Valley. The area to be annexed is about 22% of the West Bank. He said he had received a green light from the Trump administration . The next day there was international condemnation of the proposal from Palestinians, the Arab League, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Kingdom, among others. The U.N. Declared that any Israeli move to impose its administration over the Palestinian territory would “be illegal under international law.” The EU said there will be a “strong response” if annexation proceeds.
Liberal Zionists emphasize the damage to Israel’s international reputation if annexation takes place. Israel will become a “pariah” says Americans for Peace Now. J Street’s Dylan Williams says, “U.S. leaders should make clear that it’d be nearly impossible to maintain the same special relationship with an Israel that abandons a commitment to democracy.” Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) condemns the annexation plan as the “death-knell of the two-state solution.”
An aide to Sen. Bernie Sanders (Ind.-VT) calls annexation “recklessness that goes against U.S. interest in peace.” According to the New Israel Fund, “Annexation would be an existential threat to—-and perhaps even a death-knell for Israeli democracy.” Yair Lapid, the opposition leader in the Knesset, said that if annexation takes place, “...the peace agreement with Jordan will be canceled. There will be irreversible damage to the relationship with the Democratic National Committee and Jewish communities in the U.S.”
Gael Patir of J Street says that Lapid’s warning that annexation will damage Israel’s relationship to the Democratic Party and American Jewry “is not a notion that is understood in Israel.” She and Jeremy Ben-Ami, who leads J Street, called for a campaign to convince Israelis that annexation will threaten these most valuable assets. J Street, its leaders report, is “publicly and privately” urging Joe Biden, whom it has endorsed for President, to “reiterate” and “repackage” his opposition to annexation and to make it clear that he won’t accept annexation as president. Biden has said that, “Israel, I think, has to stop the threats of annexation and settlement activity” because they will undermine “support for Israel in the U.S., especially among young people of both political parties.”
J Street’s Jeremy Ben-Ami called on right-wing elements of the pro-Israel lobby to speak out against annexation. in a Zoom briefing, he addressed the question of where AIPAC is on this question: “For anyone who is watching us who belongs to AIPAC or supports AIPAC , I ask you to ask them. It is notable, the silence of AIPAC. And many other right-of-center organizations, on the queastion of annexation.—-when they have tried to say through the years that they support two states.” He said it is time to end a policy of “Israel, right or wrong.”
The Union for Reform Judaism has called on the Israeli government to refrain from unilateral actions that could hinder or thwart the renewal of the peace process in the short and long term, especially “unilateral annexation.” In Jeremy Ben-Ami’s view, Democrats might be able to convince Israelis by threatening to rule out any U.S. aid for annexation: “We not think that the U.S.should foot the bill for anything that has to do with annexation.” He suggested Israel might lose the “diplomatic immunity” the U.S. provides for its human rights violations at the U.N. and elsewhere if annexation goes through.
Israel promotes itself as a “democracy,” but by Western standards this is hardly the case. Palestinians in the occupied territories have almost no legal rights. Palestinians within Israel are second-class citizens. Israel does not believe in genuine religious freedom, even for Jews. There is an official state religion and government paid chief rabbis are ultra-Orthodox. Reform Rabbis cannot perform weddings, conduct funerals or preside over conversions. There is more religious freedom for Jews in any Western country than in Israel. There is no such thing as civil marriage. When a Jew and non-Jew wish to marry, they must leave the country to do so.
In the view of some observers, annexation would simply make clear to the world that Israel is not the kind of Democratic society it proclaims itself to be, and which many Americans of all religions think it is. Professor Ian Lustick of the University of Pennsylvania, in his new book “Paradigm Lost,” calls for policy makers to give up the “false belief” in the two-state solution and acknowledge the struggle for equal rights in a one-state reality. In his view, annexation would create a single state, which already exists. The effort of those who believe in democracy would then properly turn to calling for equal rights for all of that state’s inhabitants. The alternative would be apartheid.
In a talk at the Middle East Institute in December 2019, Lustick reports that he was “an avid and early supporter” of the Zionist state for nearly fifty years. But in the last decade he came to believe that he and other two-state advocates were being misled as Israel took over the West Bank and Jerusalem, “territories no Israeli government will ever withdraw from...Netanyahu has used liberal Zionists to proclaim that a two-state solution is possible, when it is a delusion. Entertaining that possibility is actually playing a sucker’s game into what the right wants, which is a constant feeling of that carrot, that maybe we get two states, and meanwhile you send the whole thing into decades and decades and decades of apartheid.”
“what I want in Palestine,”:says Lustick, “is something that Jews and Arabs can live with and that honors the principles of democracy and equality....The demographic argument is ‘racism’ that goes to the heart of Zionism. Guess what folks, there are more Arabs than Jews west of the Jordan...Where a state dominates Arabs for the sake of Jews, you are going to subsidize the domination of the country by the clerical right.”
Some have argued for years that Israeli plans for annexation merely publicize the fact that there is only one state in Israel and Palestine, with vastly different rights for Jews and Palestinians and it’s been that way for 50 years. The struggle should be for equal rights for all the inhabitants of this single state, according to this view. Former White House side Dennis Ross declared on Twitter, “It’s one state. Democracy and equal rights for all—-or apartheid.”
Many Israelis, concerned about their country’s treatment of Palestinians, lament its departure from Jewish moral and ethical values. Prof. David Shulman of the Hebrew University, notes that, “No matter how you look at it, unless our minds have been poisoned by the ideologies of the religious right, the occupation is a crime. It is first of all based on the permanent disenfranchisement of a huge population...In the end, it is the ongoing moral failure of the country as a whole that is most consequential, most dangerous, most unacceptable. The failure weighs heavily...on our humanity. We are, so we claim, the children of the prophets. Once, they say, we were slaves in Egypt. We know all that can be known about slavery, suffering, prejudice, ghettos, hate, expulsion, exile. I find it astonishing that we, of all people, have reinvented apartheid in the West Bank.”
If Israel annexes portions of the West Bank it is unlikely to be supported by very many American Jews. Within the Jewish community, Israel and Zionism have become increasingly divisive issues. In his book, “Trouble In The Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict Over Israel,” Prof. Dov Waxman of Northeastern University writes: “A historic change has been taking place in the American Jewish relationship with Israel...Israel is fast becoming a source of division rather than unity for American Jewry...A new era of American Jewish conflict over Israel is replacing the old era of solidarity...This echoes earlier debates about Zionism that occurred before 1948. Then, as now, there were fierce disagreements among American Jews...Classical Zionism has never had much relevance or appeal to American Jewry. Indeed, the vast majority of American Jews reject the basic elements of classical Zionism—-that Diaspora Jews live in exile, that Jewish life in Israel is superior to life in the Diaspora...American Jews do not think that they live in exile and they don't regard Israel as their homeland...For many American Jews, America is more than just home, it is itself a kind of Zion, an ‘almost promised land.’ Zionism has never succeeded in winning over the majority of American Jews.”
Since 1948, Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. Since World War ll, according to the Congressional Service, the U.S. has provided Israel with $233.7 billion, adjusted for inflation. Israel now receives $3.8 billion annually from the U.S. in military aid. By annexing portions of the West Bank, Israel would be asking American taxpayers to subsidize an action which is clearly in violation of international law. It could well bring its “special relationship” with both the U.S. government and with American Jews to an end.
Opinion | Who’s Profiting From the Coronavirus Crisis? - The New York Times
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China's model of control has been blamed for the coronavirus crisis, but for some it's looking increasingly attractive - CNN
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Tuesday, April 28, 2020
CA eldercare homes make up 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths | The Sacramento Bee
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The Corporate Food System is Making the Coronavirus Crisis Worse - CounterPunch.org
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Next-generation technologies boosted by US NFWG : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News
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