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Ralph Nader > Special Features > Letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu

March 28, 2011

Secretary Steven Chu U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20585

Dear Secretary Chu:

Now after several requests spanning two years, will you meet directly with the following environmental groups with solid standing who are critical of nuclear power’s economics, safety and safeguards? You are the President’s chief cabinet member on energy matters and as such have met more than once with nuclear industry representatives and have written in favor of this technology. The tragic events in Japan and the ensuing attention and disclosure to the conditions of nuclear plants in the U.S., Indian Point, San Onofre and Diablo Canyon, render it fair and necessary for you to listen to other viewpoints and respond. Alfred North Whitehead once said that the key scientific attitude is “to keep options open for revision.” You do not serve that principle if you continue to close your door to these established nonprofit groups with a record of accuracy to be envied. We can see also if Amory Lovins and Peter Bradford would come to town to join us in this requested meeting—one that should not be delegated to a subordinate.

When you leave your national post and return to California, you should not have to look back and wonder what possessed you to continue saying no to such groups with large memberships back home. You are their Secretary of Energy, too.

Your positive response is anticipated.

Sincerely yours,

Ralph Nader

Public Citizen, Friends of the Earth, Beyond Nuclear, Union of Concerned Scientists, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Greenpeace

PO Box 19312 Washington DC, 20036