EPA has also joined the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Departments of Energy and Transportation in seeking to redefine radioactive materials, including nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and naturally occurring materials (see last Friday's March 12 BushGreenwatch).

The new class of material, categorized as Below Regulatory Concern, would not be subject to radioactive regulatory controls. Exempting radionuclides from regulation, labeling or control during transit will also make it easier for the EPA and NRC to deregulate hazardous nuclear waste.[2]

Allowing an increase of unregulated nuclear material on the nation's roads, rails, barges and aircraft is of special concern due to homeland security worries over the transportation of nuclear material possibly enabling a dirty bomb.[3]

"Everyone recognizes this as a very serious threat. The last thing we need is to make this easier," Rick Hind, toxics director at Greenpeace, told BushGreenwatch. "This is yet another example of inadequate public health protection in favor of sweetheart deals for industry."

A major study also found that transportation-related accidents have the potential to cause greater numbers of deaths, injuries and possible large-scale evacuations.[4]

"Radioactive waste is extremely dangerous stuff, probably the most dangerous material that can be shipped," said Fred Millar, former toxics director at Friends of the Earth. "Even a tiny release could be catastrophic in an urban area."

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TAKE ACTION
The deadline for comments is March 17th, so act quickly and spread the word. Email EPA and let them know you oppose federal rules that would deregulate and exempt nuclear materials from regulation. Send a copy of your comment to EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt.

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SOURCES:
[1] Diane D'Arrigo, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, dianed@nirs.org.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] A National Risk Assessment for Selected Hazardous Materials Transportation, Dec. 2000.