ML20141B734
| ML20141B734 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Claiborne |
| Issue date: | 06/16/1997 |
| From: | White G AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| To: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20141B720 | List: |
| References | |
| ML, NUDOCS 9706240123 | |
| Download: ML20141B734 (2) | |
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The Louniana and North West Railroad Company go,333 210 West Main Street HOMER. LOUISIANA 71040 GALEN L. WHITE Phone: (318) 927 2031 FAX: (318) 927-2549 Marketing Manager June 16,1997 Dr. Shirley Jackson Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 Dr. Jackson:
In reference to the NRC's ruling to prohibit construction of Loulslana Energy Services' proposed Uranium Enrichment Facility in Claiborne Parish, near Homer, LA, due to environmental racism.
Environmental racism is 52 ieast substantial and most asinine of all excuses thus offered to prohibit licensing of this facility. Prior to the acquisition of the current site, LES voiced its desire to purchase land west of Homer. Unfortunately, the owner insisted that LES purchase his entire acreage (around one thousand acres) rather than the 300 acres needed. As a result, LES pursued its second choice and acquired the current site east of Homer. Upon realizing his loss and although too late, the westem property owner then advised LES he would negobate. With this knowledge, how can any one suspect, much less declare, i
the selection process was racially motivated?
Secondly, such an accusation is a direct insult to those, both black and white, who have endeavored to bring jobs to Claiborne Parish. In fact, many in favor of this facility support its construction solely due to the fact that it will employ a number of minorities. Furthermore, the area has been declared an " enterprise zone". The NRC surely understands that such designation is an economic affirmative action program and is the furthermost thing from environmental racism.
The NRC's ruling signifies an obvious lack of research into the accusation of environmental racism. As is often the case, a few loud and pompous voices have caused an extremely unfortunate and erroneous decision to be rendered. I, personally, have heard the plant referred to by some CANT members, media reporters, and self-appointed experts, as a " nuclear weapons facility", a " nuclear reactor", and "the next Chemoby!". Such rhetoric is unforturiate since it is being utilized to frighten minorities, the uninformed, and the elderly. It is a recklessly poor means of gaining a selfish goal. In my opinion, those using such tactics are guilty of, not only unethical behavior, but racism as well.
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i l I, along with many others, urge you to reconsider and approve licensing of the proposed uranium enrichment facility as soon as possible. Please allow Claibome Parish the opportunity to take advantage of a situation which will better i
our standard of living.
Yours very truly, bh
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i cc: Mr. Blake Hemphill Louisiana Energy Services 518 East Main Street i
Homer,LA 71040 l
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