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Nuclear Energy
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1515891
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Nuclear Energy
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James M. Cannon Files (Ford Administration)
James Cannon's Issues Files
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New Hampshire
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The original documents are located in Box 24, folder "Nuclear Energy" of the James M.
Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
puby
WASHIN
April 1, 1976
Dear Art:
Thank you for your letter related to
nuclear matters and trade importation
regulations.
I, too, feel these matters are of great
consequence to our nation and deserve every
consideration. I shall see that your views
are made known to the right people here.
It was unfortunate that we were unable to
get together when you were in town; however,
please call me the next time.
With best regards,
ve
ent
11y,
11y
rous
Mr. Arthur Spitzer
1011 North Crescent Drive
Beverly Hills, California
m
90210
he
--
Arthur Spitzer
FORD LIBRARY & GENALD
AS:clb
enc.
Digitized from Box 24 of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ARTHUR SPITZER
1011 NO. CRESCENT DRIVE
BEVERLY HILLS. CA. 90210
TELEPHONE 213/274-6155
March 17, 1976
Mr. Jim Cannon, Director
Domestic Council
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Jim:
I am really sorry that I was unable to visit with
you last week on my trip to Washington. I tried,
but like always, your schedule was a full one, and
so was mine. I had wanted to talk to you about
the anti-nuclear initiative and the questions that
Edward raised with you on nuclear waste disposal,
repossessing of fuel, and soft pedaling regarding
the breeder research.
I am not sure if the following comments fall into
your domain; if they do, I would indeed appreciate
your consideration, and if not, please pass them
on to the appropriate department.
My personal concern is the unfair dumping of foreign
manufacturer's goods to this country. We are taking
too lenient and naive measures against our competitive
trade partners. We are having the highest unemployment
of any industrial nation in the world, and historically,
50% of these have become, through the years, habitually
unemployable. This trend is a frightening and dangerous
one. We have to stop this, by all means, and I can
assure you without any research that we could reduce
unemployment by at least 2 or 3% if we were more firm
in our trade agreements and our company executives
would take a more protective attitude.
I have enclosed three short newspaper clippings of the
last few days, along with a copy of a letter which I
wrote and was published in the Los Angeles Times per-
taining to the above subject.
Best Wen regards,
Arthur Spitzer
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
AS:clb
enc.
Asparagus-Import Curbs
Are Reje sted by President
By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON - President Ford
Policy
ruled against quotas or other restric-
Europe, Painful Questions," indi- in
Your editorial (Sept. 8), "But,
World
tions on asparagus imports to protect
domestic growers and processors.
concerned cates that West Germany is
about the United States very
Japan reportedly will
retaliate
The President's action, his first un-
der the "import relief" provisions of the
taking unilateral deflationary mea-
vote by the International Trade Com-
if THE
one of curbs.
1974 Trade Act, follows a three-to-three
years, when this country had an
sures. It is too had that in the last 10
that Japan's nation
mission on whether the
L
benefits or the Communisis might reap the
policies,
GTE Unit Asks Panel
1
this typically arrogant statement, when a.
It was
To Delay Its Study
full. employment.
employment andthe Japanese had. un-
country hada chronically high
Of Japanese TV Prices
1
economic their advisors had never
Unfortunately, the President or his
foreign trade gauge on based this
By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
NEW YORK-GTE Sylvania Inc. asked a
vs.unemployment.
most important fact-employment
federal agency to delay an investigation of
)
It is vital that in our international
trade negotiations we stress this
point to our foreign partners and in-
ment is higher than thems, the trade
sist that as long as our unemploy-
agreement IS to be in our favor.
ARTHUR SPITZER
LIATINES
Leverly Hills
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CANNON
FROM:
GLENN SCHLEEDE
SUBJECT:
ERDA/CEQ Dispute on the Scope of
Environmental Impact Statements
A dispute has developed between ERDA and CEQ having to do
with the scope of an environmental impact statement covering
the export of nuclear materials and technology. It has
major implications not only as a precedent for the scope
of future environmental impact statements (i.e. should they
cover environmental impact outside the U.S. and on the ability
of the U.S. to compete with other nations on exports).
I first became aware of the issue on the basis of a call
from Jim Connor who had it brought to his attention by NSC.
We have had two meetings with the combatants--yesterday
afternoon and this morning. Connor considers it serious
enough for yourself and Connor to invite Russ Peterson over
for a frank talk on the subject. This should occur by tomorrow
morning.
I would like to discuss this with you, either by phone, or
even better, in person with George Humphreys also present.
Peterson
call
Sumans
Nuclear
Num Peteroor
7/15/76
1) Wewan ERDA - Net Eurn them
ACF applies To wt activities
Knu wahed it out,
Ex-Im Buh -
2)
water Quality - ofe
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Glen Schleele Engineered - Denner Sympsim
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Car Magh - Comms - Rowden
wode a Fed care of et.
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QURALA R. FORD
Dolt w/ Humphap F Cannor
Negative Toward environment.
mitated tow by his we couldn't
be trusted
S-Critice of ecyching study.
An things Deliter wee
eu please my 0 Then
at Conference
1
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FORD i LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 1
TO:
KRIS
FROM:
CAMERON
The attached is for the
"Seabrook" file. Seabrook is
a nuclear power plant in N.H.--
Governor Meldrim Thomson.
Gov Thomson 10/1/76
Submith -
Nn C - issued
order
any further world
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FORDO is LIBRARY 088470
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FORD & LIBRARY 038870
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
19.80taber 20M 12 58
1976
NOTE FOR:
JIM CANNON
FROM:
GLENN June
SUBJECT:
GAO REPORT ON ERDA PUBLICATION
DEALING WITH NUCLEAR ENERGY
I think you may be interested in the
attached article. I believe GAO is right.
The ERDA publication is one of the most
biased I have ever seen come out of
the Federal Government.
Attachment
Elem
Dayice S agree
FORD is LIBRARY
30
Part 1- Thurs., Sept. 30, 1976
Los Angeles Times
GAO Calls U.S. A-Power Booklet 'Propaganda'
BY ROBERT A. ROSENBLATT
Rep. Mark W. Hannaford (D-Calif.) had re-
"ERDA should not place itself in a position of
Times Staff Writer
quested the study by the GAO, the independent
misleading others-whether it be the public or
WASHINGTON-The General Accounting
investigative and auditing arm of the Congress.
its own or contractor employes-for the sake
Office Wednesday criticized as "propaganda" a
booklet on nuclear power circulated in Califor-
Hannaford, who released the report, said, "It
of improving morale," the GAO said. ERDA of-
nia by a federal agency before the statewide
is an outrage that ERDA or any other federal
ficials told a congressional hearing in May that
June vote on a measure to curb nuclear devel-
agency should attempt to influence the out-
the publication was intended to help producti-
adment
come of a state election issue in this way."
vity and morale among workers at firms with
FRDA contracts.
THE WHITE HOUSE
file
WASHINGTON
Nuclear
October 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JIM CANNON Thiouern
SUBJECT:
Fallout from the Chinese Nuclear Test
This is to report on the fallout from the Chinese Nuclear
Test on September 26, 1976.
Three agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Energy Research
and Development Administration were monitoring the fall-
out situation and stepped up their activities as soon as
abnormally high concentrations were detected in Pennsylvania.
The agencies report:
1.
The levels of radiation detected thus far
are well below acceptable levels and there-
fore there is no danger to the public health.
2.
Intensive monitoring activities are con-
tinuing but all agencies involved believe
that the highest concentrations have already
occurred and that the levels will decline
rapidly and return to normal within a few
days.
More details are provided in the attachment.
Attachment
FORD LIBRARY & CERALD
101425
RADIOACTIVE FALLOUT
The cloud from the September 26 test crossed the Pacific
and entered the atmosphere over British Columbia about
September 30. At least part of the cloud passed over
the Chicago area and then into the Middle Atlantic region.
The concentrations detected in the Middle Atlantic region
were due primarily to the unusually heavy rains occurring
over the weekend and on Monday.
Heaviest concentrations detected were in Pennsylvania,
near the Maryland line. Lesser levels were detected by
monitoring stations from New England to Florida.
Principal focus was on the isotope Iodine 131 because of
its tendency to concentrate in the thyroid of cows, and
then in milk. Milk heavily contaminated with Iodine 131
could be a risk to babies.
However, the highest concentrations in milk yet detected
are in the range of 1% to 5% of the levels that would
be a cause of sufficient concern to warrant any special
action. "Special action" in this case means switching
COWS temporarily to hay rather than live green feed, and
using the milk containing Iodine 131 for cheese for a
few days.
Iodine 131 decays rapidly (half-life of 8 days) ; thus,
the observed effect is transitory and radioactivity
levels should return to normal within a few days.
Iodine 131 concentrations that were detected are from 5
to 20 times normal background levels for Iodine 131.
Total radiation levels did not increase by that amount.
Intensive monitoring activities will be continued. These
include:
- Air, water and soil sampling by ERDA, NRC licensees
(nuclear power plant installations), and state agencies.
-
Milk sampling and analysis by EPA and state agencies
particularly the State of Pennsylvania.
RADIOACTIVE FALLOUT IN PENNSYLVANIA
ä
Can you confirm the statement from Pennsylvania that dangerous
levels of radioactivity have been produced there from fallout of
a Chinese nuclear test?
A:
I understand that EPA officials have looked at the radioactive
fallout from the Chinese nuclear test at a number of locations and
concluded that no health hazard exists. The dose is less than one
thousandth of the annual permissible exposure. Specifically, as it
relates to milk ingestion, the effect is much less than our current
or contemplated future standards would permit.
ä
Do our nuclear tests present a fallout problem for us?
A:
No, U.S. and Soviet tests are conducted underground and designed
to prevent fallout. This is consistent with the mutual obligations the
U. S., Soviets and many other countries have assumed under the
Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which prohibits nuclear testing in
the atmosphere. We have encouraged all others, including the
Chinese, to observe this ban, and we regret they have not yet chosen
to do so.
FORD is LIBRARY 0FRALD
&
Will we protest to the Chinese that they are creating a health
hazard in the U.S. ?
A:
At this time it appears that the level of fallout does not constitute
a health hazard and therefore the question of a protest over health
hazard does not arise.
a
Carter has proposed a five-year nuclear testing moratorium,
Wouldn't this halt the fallout problem?
A:
To date the Chinese have shown no interest in limitations
on nuclear testing. Whether a cessation of the underground
test programs of the U.S. and the USSR would moderate the
Chinese position is highly problematical.
INFORMATION
nuclear
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Alen problem
October 7, 1976
PHONE CALL TO JIM CANNON
FROM:
KEN LAZARUS
(via Allen Moore
SUBJECT:
Seabrook (New Hampshire) Plant
Late Tuesday, October 5, the NRC indicated that
it would investigate the merits of the Seabrook
case. A hearing date was set for October 26.
However, this plan was announced in a manner
which will permit construction to continue.
No date is set for final disposition of the
situation, but a mid-November decision is
likely.
Environmental groups have gone to court to force
a delay of construction until NRC decides on the
merits. Lazarus believes these groups have a
reasonably good chance for winning a delay.
FORD LIBRARY is DERALD
Just
f.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1976
Dear Mr. Boyer:
The President has asked me to acknowledge and
thank you for your thoughtful letter of
September 30 concerning the role of nuclear
energy. He also appreciates receiving the
booklet entitled, "Nuclear Power and the Environment"
and the offer of your organization to assist in
conveying a better understanding of benefits and
safety of nuclear energy.
We believe that your organization has made an
excellent contribution to a better understanding
of the issues surrounding the use of nuclear
energy and we look forward to your continuing
assistance.
We are also hopeful that the President will
be able to take advantage of your suggestion
that he visit an operating nuclear power
plant once his very hectic schedule settles
down.
Once again, thank you for your letter.
Sincerely,
James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
Mr. Vincent S. Boyer
President
American Nuclear Society
244 East Ogden Avenue
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY
Inte
244 EAST OGDEN AVENUE / HINSDALE, ILLINOIS 60521 USA
member
have
staff
Philadelphia Electric Co.
(open)
ACTION
2301 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101 U.S.A.
September 30P 1976
SCHEDULE BD.
VICE PRESIDENT-PRESIDENT ELECT
Joseph R. Dietrich
DATE RECEIVED
Combustion Engineering. Inc.
Nuclear Power Department
1000 Prospect Hill Road
Windsor, CT 06095 U.S.A.
The President
OCT 4 1976
TREASURER
The White House
Harry Lawroski
Nuclear Services Corp.
Washington, DC 20500
MESSAGE
1700 Dell Avenue
SPEAKERS BUREAU
Campbell, CA 95008 U.S.A.
OTHER E can
PAST PRESIDENT
Melvin J. Feldman
Dear Mr. President:
Schleede
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Building 7601
APPOINTMENT OFFICE
P.O.Box X
Oak Ridge, TN 37830 U.S.A.
The role of nuclear energy in meeting our nation's need for
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
electrical power is a topic of major interest today, and we commend
Octave J. Du Temple
American Nuclear Society
you for the position which you have taken in this regard. As President
244 East Ogden Avenue
Hinsdale, IL 60521 U.S.A.
of the American Nuclear Society, I am pleased to offer the services of
our organization in adding to your understanding of the benefits and
safety of nuclear energy. A description of our Society and its position
with regard to energy matters is covered in the attached statement approved
by the Board of Directors at last winter's meeting.
The technical community has repeatedly expressed its confidence
in the economics, environmental benefits, and the safety of nuclear
power. Questions and concerns raised by the public have been
answered, and I have enclosed a booklet prepared by members of
our Society which addresses such questions. Additional copies are
readily available.
A visit by you or your staff to an operating nuclear power plant
and to the laboratories where research work is being performed will
convince you of the integrity of our views and the depth of scientific
investigations. I would be pleased to arrange for such visitations at
your convenience, at which time we could also take up discussions
on energy matters of primary interest to you. I look forward to hearing
from you in this regard.
Very respectfully yours,
Boyer
Vincent S. Boyer, President
FORD LIBRARY Y GERALD
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR NUCLEAR POWER
BY THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY
At its Semi-Annual Meeting on November 16, 1975 in San Francisco,
California, the Board of Directors of the American Nuclear Society
specifically endorsed the increased use of nuclear energy to meet this
nation's immediate needs for electricity. At the same time, the Board
expressed strong support for the expanded development of coal, fusion,
solar, and geothermal sources of energy which could contribute meaning-
fully to the broadening of this country's energy base.
In adopting this position, the Board acknowledged the manifesto
issued by Dr. Hans Bethe and 33 other key scientists in the nuclear
field which said, in part, "We can see no reasonable alternative to
an increased use of nuclear power to satisfy our energy needs;" also,
"On any scale, the benefits of a clean, inexpensive and inexhaustible
domestic fuel far outweigh the possible risks."
The American Nuclear Society is a professional society of some
12,000 worldwide members dedicated to the advancement of knowledge
concerning the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. The economic
generation of electricity is one major such application. Through its
publications and technical meetings, the Society membership subjects
the developments in the nuclear energy field to the rigorous scrutiny
of the scientific process, namely, the continuing review by the world's
most knowledgeable experts in the field. Included in the Society are
members from the academic community, regulatory agencies, industry,
and the medical and legal fraternities, whose specialties encompass
biology, ecology, nuclear engineering, safety, economics, etc., all
of which are relevant to valid assessments of nuclear energy. This
self-correcting process of peer review has served the public well
over the years in many areas of technology, and it provides an ex-
haustive technical review, independent of the reviews conducted by
regulatory authorities and the industrial community.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the American Nuclear
Society reaffirms its strong support for energy policies which con-
template a major role for nuclear power, and the Board further pledges
to the public the Society's review of the adequacy of nuclear tech-
nology so as to ensure the health and safety of the public.
BERALD FURD LIBRARY
Fili Seatwork
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
11/29/76
member
Translation under :, the law,
we on, ^ at
The mrry of
The Regional
Adm and
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FORD s LIBRARI 076838
UNITED PROTECTION STATES. AGENCY
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
November 29, 1976
SUBJECT: Seabrook New Hampshire Nuclear Power Plant
Under the law, nuclear power plants such as Seabrook must be
licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and must pro-
cure a permit for the intake structure and for thermal discharges
from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NRC issued a permit
to construct Seabrook, subject to the plant's compliance with EPA
requirements. The EPA Boston Regional office, in a preliminary
determination made in the spring of 1975 specified that Seabrook a) did not
need to use cooling towers and b) could be permitted to place its
intake and outflow pipes at a location about one mile off shore.
This ruling was made under section 316 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972. That Act (together with the regu-
lations issued under it) requires any big new power plant to install
a closed cycle cooling system unless it can qualify for a waiver
under section 316. To so qualify the company must carry the burden
of the proof to show that the proposed plant would not have sub-
stantial adverse effects on the aquatic environment.
That decision was appealed to the Regional Administrator by a
number of environmental groups as well as the Attorney General for
the State of New Hampshire. At the conclusion of a formal hearing,
the Regional Administrator determined that in light of all the evidence
then before him, much of it not previously available to the Agency, he
could not find that the Company had proved that the proposed locations
of the intake and discharge pipes would minimize adverse environmental
effects. The Regional Administrator's most recent decision evidently
was based on his finding that there is a significant risk of damage to
various species, particularly clam larvae. At an early stage in their
life cycle such larvae are free floating, and under various conditions
a sizable portion of the larvae could be sucked into the intake and
destroyed. The Regional Administrator found that the area in question
is an important producing area for clams for commercial purposes. The
decision does not preclude the Company from reapplying for the permit
with additional proof that they have in fact minimized the adverse
effects, from moving the location of the two outlets further offshore,
or from using cooling towers.
The Company, pursuant to applicable regulations, has appealed
to the Administrator of EPA for a review of this decision. This is
a formal proceeding in which the parties submit briefs and reply
briefs. After reviewing the record and the briefs the Administrator
may affirm, reverse or in some cases, remand the matter to the
Regional Administrator. EPA's procedural regulations governing
these proceedings require certain time intervals for the filing of
briefs etc. While to the extent possible this matter will be ex-
pedited there is no way that it can be resolved much before three
months from the date of appeal. The process will probably require
at least three months and could take longer in view of its complexity.
It should be pointed out that during this period ex-parte communi-
cations with the Administrator or anyone else involved in making
the final decision are prohibited by law. If such communications
occur the Administrator would probably be disqualified from deciding
the matter. For this reason John Quarles will be responding to
public inquiries concerning Seabrook. He will make certain that the
Administrator is insulated from such communications until the matter
is resolved.
2