TVA Signs on for Mixed Oxide Fuel to be Produced Near Augusta

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a federal nuclear operation and a major energy supplier in the South, has tentatively signed on to use mixed oxide fuel from a plant under construction near Augusta.

TVA has signed a letter of intent for the fuel, according to the National Nuclear Security Administration, and a final decision will come after the agency evaluates use of the fuel for reactors at the Sequoyah and Browns Ferry nuclear plants in Tennessee and Alabama, respectively.

The fuel would be made from weapons grade plutonium -- a total of 34 metric tons -- at the Savannah River Site, a massive federal entity near Augusta that processes nuclear materials, and used in commercial nuclear reactors. It is currently under construction, and at $4.8 billion, is one of the most expensive projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

TVA is so far the only agency on board to use the fuel. Duke Energy, which provides power to the Carolinas, did not renew a contract with the MOX plant earlier this year after delays in construction of the plant. The company has said it supports the plant, however, and might consider renewing its plans for the fuel at a later date.

Supporters of the MOX plant say it's a crucial part of nuclear nonproliferation efforts and provides yet another resource for energy. Opponents say the MOX project is too expensive and dangerous; they also have expressed skepticism over whether the fuel will work in the reactors.

Officials expect the plant to start producing fuel in 2016.

Georgia Unemployment Rate In Double Digits

Nearly a half a million Georgians are out of work. The Department of Labor released its June unemployment figures today. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at 10.1 percent—the highest ever recorded in the state.

"We are continuing to see lay off in construction, manufacturing, really across all sectors," says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, "except of course health care and education."

In June, 483,394 Georgians were looking for work.

Thurmond calls on Georgia leaders to engage the private sector to create jobs. He also encourages the unemployed to seek more education and training to prepare for future jobs.

"Green jobs is a growing industry, ways to save energy, maximize potential in that arena," says Thurmond. "I think manufacturing, but with a more highly skilled work force will create employment opportunity in the future."

Right now about a third of jobless Georgians receive unemployment benefits from the state. Georgia's unemployment rate is worse than the nation's. It's at 9.5 percent.

Biomass Plants to Boost Rural Georgia

A power company that serves four million Georgians is investing in renewable energy by building two biomass plants in the state. For two rural communities in south Georgia, it's a boost to the

Oglethorpe Power plans to build biomass plants in Appling and Warren Counties. The company hopes to break ground by 2011 pending state permits. Officials estimate it will create 250 temporary construction jobs at each site.

Once built, each plant would be fueled by wood and employ about 40 people. It would have a ripple effect on the local economy, says Dale Atkins with the Appling County Development Authority. "It's going to have a tremendous impact on our forest industry. Timber land is 70 percent in the county... this will create 500 jobs in the forest industry."

These counties were chosen in part because they are wood baskets. Company officials say the plants should come on line by 2015, and they're considering a third site in Echols County..

Economist: Effect of Stimulus Dollars Months Off

Federal stimulus dollars are starting to roll into Georgia. But it could be a while until the money helps the state’s economy. Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are ramping up state projects like making buildings more energy efficient to building roads.

They’re creating jobs and that means more tax dollars. But it could be months until we see its effect on revenues.

"Part of it is the lag when the cash comes in and it shows up in paychecks and spending," said professor of Economics at Mercer University Roger Tutterow, "and then of course there’s a lag between when that occurs and the state actually gets their cuts and reflects it in their tax revenue collections."

Case in point, the Department of Transportation. It got $62 million in May, and the first of 41 projects just started last week--- workers began repaving a road south of Atlanta. The project allowed a state contractor to keep 25 employees and create 3 new jobs. DOT officials do expect the remaining 40 projects to begin this month.

Fed Energy Funds Headed Our Way

Federal officials say Georgia will receive $32.9 million in federal funds to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. The grant, announced Monday, is part of the nearly $82.5 million the department will award Georgia under the Federal-State Energy Program. Georgia's proposal for the money outlined plans for increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy says the state will receive more than $41 million in additional funding upon demonstrating successful implementation of that plan.

(Associated Press)

Georgia Nets $40M for Energy Upgrades

Federal officials say Georgia will receive $32.9 million in federal funds to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state. The grant, announced Monday, is part of the nearly $82.5 million the department will award Georgia under the Federal-State Energy Program. Georgia's proposal for the money outlined plans for increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy says the state will receive more than $41 million in additional funding upon demonstrating successful implementation of that plan.

(Associated Press)

Federal Government Considers Savannah River Site Near Augusta for Mercury Storage

The federal government is considering the Savannah River Site near Augusta, along with six other sites, for the storage of more than 10,000 metric tons of mercury.

Officials are searching for a site to store the mercury, as federal law will ban the sale or export of the element by 2013, and require the federal government to store it.

Mercury is produced in the manufacturing of caustic soda and chlorine at a handful of plants in the U.S. It's also a by-product in gold mining, and in recycling and waste recovery.

Mercury is controversial, since it causes developmental disabilities in children, and also harm fetal development.

It's already a sore spot in Augusta, where environmental groups have been calling for the Olin Corporation to stop using the element in the manufacture of chlorine. A bill in Congress also seeks to eliminate mercury from the few chlorine plants that still use it. Olin, meanwhile, has maintained that is mercury use its safe.

The Savannah River Site is a massive federal entity that processes nuclear materials near Augusta.

The U.S. Department of Energy, meanwhile, will hold a public comment period on the proposal to store mercury. There will be a public meeting in North Augusta, South Carolina on July 30.

For more information, click here.

GSU Accused of Anti-Muslim Bias

A Georgia State University professor and a former student accuse the institution of being anti-Muslim. They say GSU retaliated against them after they complained about racist remarks from faculty member.

Georgia State professor Dona Stewart said that last August one of her instructors who is Muslim- American asked her what to do about these racial remarks from another professor: "Things like was she carrying any bombs under her Islamic head scarf these were outrageous comments in public.”

Stewart told Selma Shelbayah to file an official complaint to the department dean. After that the professor apologized to the student, but a day later, Stewart said that the dean told her to fire Shelbayah, and she refused.

"I mean at that point, you have to realize, she’s a state employee. She’s under contract," said Stewart. "If I had removed her from that position without cause without due process, I would have committed an illegal act and I could have been held accountable for it."

Stewart believes because she didn’t comply, she herself was punished academically. At the time, she was the director of the Middle Eastern Institute. She’s since resigned.

"All institutional development of the institute came to a halt," Stewart said, "I was told there was no energy for Middle Eastern studies on campus."

Both Stewart and Shelbayah filed separate discrimination complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year.

GSU is complying with the investigation and refutes the charges. GSU spokesperson Andrea Jones said, "In no way was retaliation taken against Stewart or the student as a result of the complaint."

Jones said that because of federal privacy guidelines, the college can't provide more details, but she pointed out that despite Stewart’s resignation... "She is still an employee of GSU and in April was promoted to full professor and had the dean’s full support on that."

Meanwhile, Stewart and Shelbayah’s lawyer James Radford, said it doesn’t look like the EEOC is going to take action. "They’re not at a point that they are going to act to enforce Title Seven," said Radford. "They’re not going to go to court.

Title 7 prohibits discrimination at the workplace. So, Radford said that his clients will sue if GSU doesn’t settle.

Georgia Gazette Monday, June 29, 2009

Join host Rickey Bevington tonight for Georgia Gazette. On tonight's show… Sweeping energy and environmental legislation is headed to the US Senate. Details of the bill and how it could affect Georgia. Why childhood obesity is plaguing the south in particular… And a free pass into state parks... your chance to win. This and more tonight on Georgia Gazette at 6, 7 in Athens, re-broadcast at 11, hear our show any time at www.gpb.org/georgiagazette , and download a free podcast on iTunes.

Nuclear Companies Near Augusta Say They Need Thousands of Workers

A new study says the nuclear industry could potentially create thousands of new jobs in the Augusta area throughout the next decade.

The region's major employers, including companies who manage operations at commercial nuclear power plants in Georgia and South Carolina as well as a federal site that processes nuclear materials near Augusta, say they will need 10,000 jobs.

The jobs would range from nuclear chemists and computer engineers to plant operators and sheet metal workers.

The study comes as power companies seek to meet rising demand for electricity with nuclear energy. That includes the construction of nuclear power plants would be among the first built in the U.S. in decades. State public service commission officials in both Georgia and South Carolina have already okayed new reactors, but the companies building them are still seeking approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Construction of a controversial new nuclear fuel plant near Augusta is also underway, although no power companies have committed yet to buying the fuel.

The Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization commissioned the study through Booz Allen, a technology consulting firm. The organization has said it is looking to develop a strategy between private and public entities to meet the growing demand for nuclear workers. The organization is also working to lease a portion of privately owned land at the site for development, possibly for a nuclear energy park or reactors that would be used for reactors.

Across the U.S., meanwhile, the nuclear industry has said it is looking to step up the recruitment and education of a new generation of workers to meet the emerging demand.

Georgia Gazette Monday, June 8, 2009

Join host Rickey Bevington tonight for Georgia Gazette. On tonight's show… Luring businesses like tech giant NCR to the state via tax incentives… does it work in the long run? And most Georgians can say so long to the electric meter reader, and hello 21st century… A technology that could help people save energy. The art of tattooing... a boon in Augusta despite the economy. Plus, your chance to win free parking at state parks. These stories and more tonight on Georgia Gazette at 6, 7 in Athens, re-broadcast at 11, hear our show any time at www.gpb.org/georgiagazette , and download a free podcast on iTunes.

Perdue to Attend Southern Energy Conference

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is scheduled to appear at a conference next week to discuss the future of energy needs in the South. He will be in attendance with four other Southern governors and oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens.

Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Mike Beebe of Arkansas, Phil Bredesen of Tennessee and Joe Manchin of West Virginia are also on the agenda to speak during a meeting of the Southern Growth Policies Board.

The board's annual conference is Monday and Tuesday at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi.

Executives from Nucor Steel, Kansas City Southern railroad and Duke Energy also are scheduled to speak.

Pickens has been pushing for the expansion of wind power.

(Associated Press)

Home Depot Shareholders Meeting Draws Protest

Enviromental activists targeted a Home Depot shareholders meeting on Thursday, claiming the home improvement giant’s buying practices in Chile support destruction of endangered wilderness there.

Members of the group International Rivers were outside the Cobb Galleria in Cobb County, and for a time, inside the conference center aiming to disrupt the company’s annual meeting. Randeep Walia with the enviromental group says Home Depot’s shareholders need to know the company’s connection to suppliers of wood that want to build new hydro-electric dams in southern Chile:

"Hopefully that message got out to them today, that some of the areas that their company’s involved in might not be in the guidelines of what Home Depot purports to be, which is an environmentally-conscious company."

But Ron Jarvis, a top management official with Atlanta-based Home Depot, says environmental groups for more than a year have been unfairly using the company as a platform to shape Chilean energy policy:

"For us to do that, we’d have to become the experts on energy, in particular hydro-electricity, and we are not the experts on that. So for us to come out and make a comment on whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, it’s not something we’re going to do."

Jarvis says Home Depot’s current wood-buying policy in the country is fully-endorsed by Chilean enviromental groups.

Federal Funds for Nuclear Expansion at Plant Vogtle?

The Energy Department has narrowed its list of the most likely recipients of $18.5 billion in government loan guarantees for building the first new nuclear power plants. The department recently informed four companies planning new reactors in Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas that their applications have been elevated for closer scrutiny, department and industry officials said Friday.

Energy Department spokeswoman Stephanie Mueller said the applications were singled out for closer review because they are furthest along in obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The proposed projects singled out include Atlanta-based Southern Company for two new reactors at its Vogtle power plant near Waynesboro, and South Carolina Electric & Gas, for two new reactors at its V.C. Summer power plant near Columbia, South Carolina.

(Associated Press)

New DOE Budget Reflects Little Change at Savannah River Site

The Department of Energy budget released yesterday calls for little significant change at the Savannah River Site near Augusta.

SRS is the leading manufacturer of the radio active material tritium, used in nuclear weapons. Under the 2010 budget they will maintain that position.

Damien LaVera, a spokesperson for the National Nuclear Security Administration, says that the approach to defense related programs will remain in line with the 2009 budget until a series of national reviews reevaluate the country’s nuclear position. However, he expects to see significant changes in the 2011 budget once those reviews are complete.

With the Obama administration’s pledge to reduce the nuclear stockpile, SRS faces the possibility of a significant reduction in the manufacturing of tritium, which could lead to the loss of jobs. But for now they will stay the course.

The new budget maintains the allocation of over $1 billion for environmental cleanup operations and close to $500 million for the mixed oxide fuel reprocessing plant (MOX). The MOX facility recently received criticism from the DOE inspector general for failing to meet quality control standards.

For the full budget click here.

Sales-Tax Holidays Ahead

Georgia consumers will get four days of tax-free shopping this summer. There will be no state sales tax on certain back-to-school items from Thursday July 30th, through Sunday August 2nd. Merchandise exempt from state taxes during the period include school supplies, clothing, footwear, and computers. Later in the year, from October 1st to 4th, there will be no state sales tax on the purchase of water and energy-efficient products.

Federal Audit Questions Safety of Projects at Savannah River Site Near Augusta

The U.S. Department of Energy’s inspector general is sharply criticizing the DOE for safety and quality assurance controls in multiple projects at the Savannah River Site near Augusta.

An audit report by the inspector general focuses on the procurement of materials used in the construction of a mixed oxide fuel plant (MOX) that would convert weapons-grade plutonium to fuel for commercial reactors, as well as a tritium extraction facility and a salt waste processing plant to treat radioactive waste.

“In a worst case scenario, undetected, nonconforming components could fail and injure workers or the public,” the inspector general’s report says.

The inspector general noted problems with $11 million in weakened rebar procured for the $4.8 billion MOX facility, one of the Department of Energy’s most expensive projects. The company building the MOX plant said earlier this year that the problems had been corrected.

But the correction of such errors is costly, the inspector general says, adding that quality assurance and communication between contractors involved in the three projects should be improved.

“Although these are positive steps, weaknesses in oversight and communication remain; therefore, additional action is necessary.”

The audit also noted that none of the six safety issues reviewed by the inspector general at the tritium extraction facility adequately met quality assurance standards. The facility would replenish the nation’s tritium supply. The Savannah River Site conducts nearly all of the Department of Energy’s tritium activities.

In addition, any potential failure of a component procured for the salt waste project could have caused a radioactive spill of up to 15,000 gallons of high-level radioactive waste.

The National Nuclear Security Administration, meanwhile, disagrees with the inspector general’s safety concerns and related cost impacts, noting instead that the problems were of low significance, the report says.

The inspector general’s investigation spans from September 2008 until April 2009.

To see the report, click here.

EPD Says Air Will Be Cleaner When New Coal Plant is Built but Environmental Groups Disagree

The state's top environmental regulator for air pollution says the air in eastern Georgia will be cleaner if and when a coal plant is built near Sandersville in Washington County.

Jac Capp, chief of the state environmental protection division's air protection branch, says the plant also won't add to ozone air pollution in Augusta or Macon. Macon is already near two other coal plants, one of them dubbed by environmental groups as the dirtiest in the U.S.

Coal plants are in the process of reducing pollutant emissions as required by federal and state regulations.

Capp says that the proposed new coal plant, Plant Washington, will also have lower emissions of pollutants.

But environmental groups disagree with Capp's comments. They say the goal of EPD should be to not pollute at all.

Ozone triggers respiratory illnesses. The EPD recently recommended, for the first time, that mid-sized cities in Georgia have failed ozone air pollution standards. Her recommendations are required by federal law and based on measures of the ozone. Newer and tougher restrictions this year have contributed to the cities falling into this category. The federal government will ultimately make the decision on whether the cities, which include Augusta, Macon and Columbus.

The state EPD is beginning the permitting process for Plant Washington. But Capp and his staff have already reviewed an extensive proposal for the plant.

Hear audio about Plant Washington:

Jac Capp, Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Powered by Podbean.com

Powered by Podbean.com

Midge Sweet, Georgians for Smart Energy

Powered by Podbean.com

State Capitol UPDATE (1:40pm)

**The General Assembly's final day continues at the state Capitol in Atlanta. You can follow the action moment-by-moment from our reporters via Twitter (GPB News)**

Here's a recap of some of what's transpired from the Capitol as of early afternoon:

- Transportation--a committee meeting is set to begin this hour over the issue of transportaion funding.

- Public defender system--A proposal to give lawmakers more control over the public defender system was suddenly withdrawn from the House. The Senate already has voted to strip the public defender council of its authority, which would give politicians more control of the cash-strapped system. But state Rep. Rich Golick, the proposal's sponsor, pulled it today just as it was set to be considered. It could still return later today. The measure is partly a response to the spiraling costs of the trial of Atlanta courthouse gunman Brian Nichols, whose state-funded defense topped $2 million and spared him from the death penalty. But it's also a backlash against the council's threats to sue the state for more funds.

- Lawmakers' fail to pay taxes measure--State lawmakers who fail to pay taxes could soon face sanctions from a legislative committee. The House and Senate both passed measures today that would allow the House or Senate Ethics committees to investigate and sanction legislators who fail to pay their taxes. The House passed its version 164-1 today, and it could be sent to Governor Sonny Perdue after the Senate agrees to minor changes. The vote comes after the state Department of Revenue revealed 22 state lawmakers--about 10 percent of the General Assembly--are delinquent on their taxes. Only three of those lawmakers'names have been made public.

- Sales tax holiday bills--State lawmakers have approved two state sales tax holidays for school supplies and energy efficient products. The Senate gave final approval to a bill to set the school supplies and clothing holiday for July 30-Aug. 2. The holiday for energy efficient products which cost $1,500 or less would be Oct. 1-4. If Gov. Sonny Perdue signs off on the bill, consumers won't pay state sales taxes on the items on those dates.

- Provision to preside over weddings stripped--The Georgia Legislature today stripped a provision that would give the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House
and constitutional officers the power to preside at weddings. House Speaker Glenn Richardson had advocated for the measure. But when it passed the House by a 164-1 vote, it only included a separate proposal designed to urge couples to get tested for sickle cell disease before marrying.

Associated Press contributed to the stories

U.S. Energy Secretary Confirms $1.6 Billion Coming to Savannah River Site

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says the $1.6 billion will help speed up the de-commissioning of nuclear reactors and contaminated areas at the Savannah River Site near Augusta.

The money could provide up to 3000 new jobs in the area, although it's unclear how many of those jobs would be permanent. The funding is part of the new economic stimulus package that targets the environmental clean-up of nuclear sites in the U.S.

The Savannah River Site for years refined nuclear materials for weapons. But employment numbers there dropped by thousands after the Cold War ended.

Federal officials say the funding will pay for the clean-up of about 40 percent of the site's massive industrial area, and ship out about 4500 cubic meters of waste.

About $6 billion is going out to nuclear sites in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Savannah River Site is getting the second-highest funding. The Hanford Site, in Washington state, is getting most at about $2 billion.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy