NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear energy is energy available from the nucleus of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that compose every material object in the universe. Nuclear energy is released when atoms are combined or dismantled to produce different atoms. The sun produces energy by combining hydrogen to produce
helium. Nuclear energy is also released when atoms are split apart (called fission) to form smaller atoms. Nuclear power plants capture fission energy to produce electricity. Although production of nuclear electricity from fission has occurred only during the past 50 years, the sun uses nuclear energy to make life possible on the earth.

The United States now has 104 nuclear power plants that provide 20% of the nation’s electric power. About 35 new nuclear power plants are expected to be built in the next decade, with four or five built in the Western United States. Like other renewable electricity sources, nuclear power generation produces no greenhouse gases (mostly carbon dioxide).US nuclear power plants prevent the release of 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that is about the carbon dioxide released from all US passenger cars. There is concern in the US about disposal of used or spent nuclear fuel. But, work
is in progress to complete the disposal facility at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Additionally, there are efforts to reprocess spent nuclear fuel, greatly reducing the impacts of these materials. For comparison, the mass of waste products generated by a coal fired plant to generate electricity is 10,000 greater than the wastes generated by a similar‐sized nuclear plant.

A nuclear electrical power plant on the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation would be very attractive. The Reservation has adequate land, water resources, low population, and ready access to major electrical power Transmission lines to be successful.

The construction and operation of a nuclear plant on the reservation would be a major siting, construction, and operation effort. However, the successful establishment of such a major electrical energy supplier would be very beneficial to the Tribe for more than 50 years. About 400 workers would
be required to construct the plant and about 300 workers to operate the plant. Major electrical power transmission lines are nearby and power could be sold to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Los Angles. The income and work opportunities from such a major development would provide the Goshute with an annual income of about $350 million. Income from the electricity plant would provide for full development of schools including a college, improved and expanded roads, a Reservation hospital, an airport, numerous local industries, Tribal government support, and other essential facilities. Goshute children would have employment and career opportunities on the Reservation. The Tribe would become economically independent and have the financial resources to develop the Reservation as the Tribe elected.

Tentative Timeline for Nuclear Energy Development

Site Assessment
Siting and Monitoring (1 year)

Early Site Permitting
Applications to BIA and other federal and state agencies

Preparation of the EIS (1 year)

Construction
Excavation, foundation placement, installation (3 years)

Testing and safety qualifications (2months)

Operation
Testing and Certification for operation