May 9, 2011
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (Nichibenren) on May 7 submitted a proposal to the government calling for the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy production.
Their proposal for a fundamental change in the national energy policy consists of eight points, including the phased closure of nuclear power plants and a shift to an energy policy based on sustainability.
Referring to atomic energy’s potential risk of causing irreparable damage not only to the entire nation but also to neighboring countries, Nichibenren called for the suspension of plans to build new nuclear power plants and the dismantling of existing ones.
The proposal pressed for the immediate closure of old plants, and a shutdown of facilities located in regions likely to be hit by major earthquakes or tsunamis in the near future, such as the Hamaoka nuclear power station in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Nichibenren also demanded that other nuclear plants undergo independent inspections to determine if they are prepared to deal with quakes and tsunamis, and urged that facilities with insufficient preparations be shut down until safety measures are fully implemented.
Meanwhile, as one of the major reasons for failing to take adequate safety measures for nuclear power plants and causing the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima No1. nuclear power plant, the proposal points out that power companies along with government ministries and agencies have been united in claiming that nuclear energy is safe.
The Nichibenren’s proposal was submitted to Prime Minister Kan Naoto, Industrial Minister Kaieda Banri, and Environment Minister Matsumoto Ryu.
Their proposal for a fundamental change in the national energy policy consists of eight points, including the phased closure of nuclear power plants and a shift to an energy policy based on sustainability.
Referring to atomic energy’s potential risk of causing irreparable damage not only to the entire nation but also to neighboring countries, Nichibenren called for the suspension of plans to build new nuclear power plants and the dismantling of existing ones.
The proposal pressed for the immediate closure of old plants, and a shutdown of facilities located in regions likely to be hit by major earthquakes or tsunamis in the near future, such as the Hamaoka nuclear power station in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Nichibenren also demanded that other nuclear plants undergo independent inspections to determine if they are prepared to deal with quakes and tsunamis, and urged that facilities with insufficient preparations be shut down until safety measures are fully implemented.
Meanwhile, as one of the major reasons for failing to take adequate safety measures for nuclear power plants and causing the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima No1. nuclear power plant, the proposal points out that power companies along with government ministries and agencies have been united in claiming that nuclear energy is safe.
The Nichibenren’s proposal was submitted to Prime Minister Kan Naoto, Industrial Minister Kaieda Banri, and Environment Minister Matsumoto Ryu.
