Campaign for Safe Energy

Since the meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979, the state PIRGs have campaigned against nuclear power. It's inherently dangerous, potentially catastrophic, and a terrible investment for our country. The nuclear crisis in Japan has become the most recent example of that troubling reality.

More than 1 million Iowans already live within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant. There are 104 currently operating across United States.

There is no known safe level of exposure to radiation, and mortality rates from more than mild exposure are extremely high. The levels of radiation that could escape from our reactors in the event of an accident or natural disaster could dramatically harm human health.

This is why Iowa PIRG opposes MidAmerican Energy's plan to put ratepayers on the hook for at least $1,800 per person to finance new nuclear power plants that may never actually be built and will likely cost much more.

Because nuclear power is inherently unsafe and potentially catastrophic, investors won't invest capital in it. That's why MidAmerican wants the state government to pass legislation that would force us to pick up the tab.  

Between earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, malfunctions, power outages, and the age of facilities — or some combination of these factors — there is no way to guarantee the safety of a nuclear facility.

Nuclear power is neither a safe nor a reliable energy source, and we're working to make sure the government minimizes the risk from our existing nuclear power plants right away and stops construction of any new plants.