What People Are Saying - Dr. Helen Caldicott

September 9, 2002

Brian Valiton
US Army Corps of Engineers
NE District
696 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742-2752

Dear Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, and Mr. Valiton:

As the various health risks associated with our energy choices become more and more clear, our obligation to rely on clean renewable sources of electricity becomes apparent. The Harvard School of Public Health recently released a study detailing the problems associated with two Massachusetts coal fired electric plants. The study shows that the Salem Harbor and Brayton Point power plants are responsible for 159 premature deaths and 43,000 asthma attacks each year.

The health and security risks associated with our energy choices are not always obvious, but as indicated by the Harvard study and the events of September 11, they are real and dangerous. Now is the time to make decisions that will push us toward a cleaner environment and a self-sufficient, non-threatening energy system.

Cape Wind Associates is a New England based Energy Company proposing the first offshore wind development in America. In Sweden and Denmark, offshore wind has been used for over ten years and has proven to be successful and reliable. This wind farm would be the largest renewable energy source in New England producing approximately half of the power that Cape Cod and the Islands uses.

Unlike some countries in Europe, the US government, has done very little to promote the use of renewable energy. The coal, oil, gas, and nuclear energy companies receive billions of dollars in subsidies and are encouraged by the current administration to continue placing our health and lives at risk. This is not necessary. Renewable energy technology is increasingly available to fill our power needs and the private sector is willing to step forward and take the financial risk.

As the founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility and President of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute, I have been working to educate people on the dangers of nuclear energy and nuclear waste. Wind power holds great promise in helping to eventually phase out the use of nuclear power.

This project is a first step for America and I strongly urge you to take it. America is the world’s leader and should lead by example. If America can put the interest of our security and health above the concern for our view from the porch, then perhaps we can avoid the impending dangers of war and environmental degradation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helen Caldicott

Pediatrician, Founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and President of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute