One year ago, President Obama announced that the federal government would guarantee $8 billion in new federal loans to build two nuclear reactors in Georgia. The recession-hit town of Waynesboro, Georgia was to benefit from the construction, as new jobs were created. But as Japan’s nuclear disaster continues to unfold, some of those who live near the 104 nuclear reactors scattered throughout the United States are growing nervous, while others say there’s nothing to fear. Waynesboro mayor, George Deloach says his constituents are keeping calm and remembering the upside of nuclear plants: job growth.
“We’re eighty percent agricultural,” Deloach told The Takeaway. “The farmer doesn’t have a good year every year.” Deloach says around 26 percent of Waynesboro residents are employed in nuclear energy and that he doesn’t fear any parallels to the situation in Japan.
Robert Hernan, author of “This Borrowed Earth: Lessons from the Fifteen Worst Environmental Disasters Around the World” says that although this reactor is safe from a tsunami and an earthquake, there are still risks associated with nuclear power.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!