R117 - Atomic Energy Protocol (passed)

[miokalia]

Yaro Fourier, the representative from Miokalia addresses the council:

"Because of recent 'concern' for the safety of atomic energy systems in the federation, piqued by recent security 'issues', my nation wishes to propose a solution to better monitor and enforce safety standards for atomic power."



The Resolution R117

Whereas: Atomic energy is a cost-effective means of energy production sought by most industrialized nations.
Whereas: Atomic energy has the unique potential to present environmental and health hazards to a region if not properly maintained or constructed.
Whereas: There are many safeguards which can prevent the spread of radioactive materials or prevent the occourance of melt-down which are availible today AND
it is absolutely imperitive that all safeguards availible are used to protect the population.
Be it Resolved: That a Federation Organization for Atomic Energy Safety and Protocol be formed to establish and enforce safety standards for all atomic energy systems in the Federation, observe and analyse environmental impact (to remove some of the bureaucratic strain on the companies running these plants, so that they may be able to more effectively implement environmental and health safeguards), and to hold a conferrence on Atomic Energy Safety and Environmental Impact to determine the viability of new technology for their safeguard effectiveness and economic feasibility. WHILE maintaining that the goal is to make the Federation as safe as possible from nuclear accidents.

[miokalia]

In anticipation for the passing of this resolution, preparations begin on a conference in Hokyldaryon. A poster is prepared to be presented to experts in the field from all over the Federation.



(OOC: I just got finished with finals and this came about in a stress-release since graphic design is about the only thing I can do when I'm not awake enough to play games and not tired enough to sleep.)

[gbwt]

The nation of Paeninsula votes in favor of this resolution, but advocates that nuclear energy is only used as a temporary solution while nations develop their solor, wind, hydroelectric, etc forms of energy as well as fule cell technology and other sources of safe, clean energy.

[Kingdoms of Cal]

The kingdoms of cal wish to query as to the status of non-comecial and military systems, some of which may well be still classified. It is also noted that this resolution appears to be geared more towards fission systems (with their inherent problems) rather than the much cleaner fussion systems, would these also be covered?

[miokalia]

Representative Fourier responds to the query:

"We intend to include Fusion-based systems in this as well. Although our primary concern is with fission (because of safety). Primarily, once established, we want to force an eventual phase-out of certain particularly dangerous fission reactor systems. Our goal is to expedite the complete shut down and safe transition from unstable, melt-down-prone FBR (Fast Breeder Reactor) systems, especially those with 'enriching' or 'weapons processing' capabilities that have movable lids (Chernobyl was one of those), to at least PBMR-based reactors, which are fission reactors with vastly less chance of melt-down, and are incapable of leaking enough radiation to cause a biological threat."

"FBR reactors of course... are often 'classified' because of their military utilization for the production of nucelar weapons...
Once formed, the FFAEC would decide how classified, military systems would be handled...
... and given the inherent instability of nuclear-bomb-making FBR reactors... I'm going to assume that the organization will require that all nations report these systems, regardless of their secrecy. The consequences of a nuclear accident are nothing to trifle with."

The well-dressed mechanical dragon pauses a moment, realizing how detailed he's been,
"Of course, I am probably telling you more than you need to know. Where I come from, it is a representative's responsibility to have some general understanding and trust of the science of whatever subject matter he is contributing to the policy of. "

He wraps up his explanation:
"But as long as we've got nuclear fission plants in this Federation, we *must* have safety standards enforced. And we have *got* to shut down those big, old FBR reactors before they have catastrophic failures and send towering plumes of radioactive ash over the region."

[Kingdoms of Cal]

We are quite aware of the technologies, we have only 3 fast breeders left in commercial production and those will be decommissioned once the drewnen wind farms come on-line and the Eta river project will provide much more reliable production and storage of energy once complete. As for reactors for production of weaponry, we no longer process any.

We do how ever have a pebble bed reactor in one of our research facility, a safer technology but still at a research stage. That and our new high energy torus reactor that shows hope.

The military reactors we refer to, are those that provide power to our fleet. Until a better or equal energy source can be found for out submarine fleet and out capital ships are still wedded to the fission reactor.

I would cation on the recommendation for developing countries to use fast breeder reactors on the grounds that they require plutonium, a weapons capable materiel. Once a pebble bed reactors are possible, it would be wise to give them that technology, at least the plutonium will be provided in non-weapons capable manner.

That or provide them with air cooled reactors that while less efficient are much safer. Better still do not give them the technology in the first place, if at all possible, let us get fission working before we spred this technology.

[miokalia]

Representative Fourier responds:

"I agree that no more FBR reactors should be constructed, also given the situation with most military reactors being aboard marine vessels, that is quite acceptable. Water of course, is an extremely effective substance for absorbing radiation. Once formed, my nation's representative will probably lobby that *all* reactors that are not based on Pebble-Bed technology be in a submerged containment device for safety purposes. Developing countries are no exception to these safety rules. If one does nuclear power, they must do it right. That means no new fast breeder reactors. They are historically unsafe and they go against non-proliforation."

I suppose then, amendments can be added to this:


Amendments to R117:

1. For safety and security purposes, the construction or development of FBR (fast breeder reactor) nuclear fission systems is strictly forbidden. As these systems are notoriously unsafe and produce weapons-grade material.
2. The safety guidelines regarding fusion systems will be governed and determined by the FFAEC.
3. All non-maritime fission reactors must be liquid or fluid-cooled, or otherwise be in a submerged containment vessel with a clearence of at least 15 feet of water between the reactor vessel and surface of the containment well. This will serve as a safeguard against radiation leakage, and will buy more time in the event of a catatrophic failure.
4. No commercial entity may operate a nuclear system without adhering to the safety standards set forth by the FFAEC.

[The Union of Tinis]

The representative from Tinis speaks up. "Tinis moves that the duration of debate and voting be extended for one and a half weeks so that the amendment proposed may be considered and further considerations may be addressed. If there are no opposed to this motion, the motion will stand."

[Kingdoms of Cal]

Kingdoms of cal seconds.

[The Union of Tinis]

The resolution as amended has passed with a vote of 4 to 2.