Greenpeace: ‘Myths’ being used to fast-track BNPP operation

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental group Greenpeace on Monday accused Congress of using "myths" and "abusing scientific data" to support their bid to revive the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Von Hernandez, Greenpeace Southeast Asia executive director, and geologist Kelvin Rodolfo, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago, disproved claims by Representatives Mark Cojuangco and Juan Miguel Arroyo that the 30-year-old facility would yield clean, safe and inexpensive energy. "Nuclear energy is not clean, not safe and not cheap," said Hernandez, adding that it is "probably the most dangerous and expensive power source there is." Hernandez said the intent of House Bill 4631, "as well as the seeming haste with which it is being pushed in Congress, is highly questionable," Cojuangco authored House Bill 4631, which seeks to revive the BNPP. The bill has already hurdled the House Committee on Energy headed by Arroyo, and is currently in the Committee on Appropriations, whose report, according to Arroyo, is expected by mid-February. Greenpeace has consistently made a stand that nuclear plants are capital intensive and expensive at almost all stages of its development. "Historically, nuclear construction projects consistently run over budget, so even the one billion dollar projected cost for BNPP's rehabilitation can be exceeded," Greenpeace said in a statement. Hernandez said the $1 billion eyed to fund the project would be better spent on safe and cheap renewable energy. - Joe Torres, GMANews.TV