The Southern California Federation of Scientists, SCFS, was formed to meet the responsibility of scientists and engineers in promoting the welfare of humanity and the achievement and maintenance of world peace. Modern technological developments have brought into focus the need for more active social and political participation by technical people. SCFS is an interdisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, scholars and concerned citizens dedicated to providing independent scientific and technical analyses and expertise on issues affecting Science, Society and Public Policy. SCFS welcomes all persons who are concerned that science and technology be used to enhance the human condition.
Southern California Federation of Scientists
“Science in the Public Interest”
3318 Colbert Avenue, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310)390-3898 (voice or fax), www.scfs-la.org
April News and May Meeting Announcement
News from April 2 meeting
Much time was spent discussing San Onofre and nuclear power plants. Southern California Edison, SCE, has not revealed exactly what is wrong with the heat exchanger pipes that has caused the shutting down of the reactors. Members so inclined can call SCE to request they keep San Onofre shut down; the phone number is (626)302-1212 !
George Anno suggested that SCFS compile the NRC requirements for licensing nuclear power plants as well as determine if the Price Anderson Act has ever been updated to include inflation.
Bob Furber pointed out that original construction of present 1000 MW plants was ~$6B, whereas today the building of plants with the original design would cost ~$12B. Nuclear power has never been cost effective. The cost of photo voltaic cells have been dropping steadily, so that today they cost about $3.5/watt. Obama has not addressed the global warming problem, so the U.S. has not taken advantage of the new PV cells from China.
John Grula has another op-ed article in the Pasadena Weekly “Reality, Insanity, and Iran”. These articles will be sent out to our email list and added to our website, scfs-la.org.
The Hyperion waste water treatment plant uses methane gas from the treatment to generate the electricity they use. Additionally, they produce fertilizer, some of which is shipped to other parts of California. These other areas are beginning to complain that they don’t need the excess fertilizer from our Los Angeles waste; “problems, problems” !
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