Please write in to the current round of consultations on nuclear power.

The Nuclear National Policy Statement explains how nuclear fits with energy policy and defines how the new fast-track planning system will process nuclear power station applications. Friends of the Earth has said it may challenge the nps consultation but it is still very worthwhile submitting as many responses as we can muster.

There is a simultaneous consultation over the "Justification" of new practices involving radiation. Under new EU law, the Government must justify any health detriment from running new nuclear power stations. This consultation has hardly been trumpeted by DECC but is potentially more of a show-stopper than the nps.

Both consultations end on 22nd February. The Hinkley C planning application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission is then expected in August, subject to both consultations being endorsed by DECC. Subject also to a safety licence being granted in June next year by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, EdF hope to begin building 'proper' later next year. They have already started investigative drilling etc and are putting in local planning applications for preliminary work.

EdF local consultation meetings have shown people are very distressed at the likely traumatisation of local villages due to the immense infrastucture of building two massive reactors. Two or possibly three reactors are slated for Oldbury with applications expected in October.

To take part in the Government consultations go to:
_www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/home/_
(http://www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk/home/)
where you can fill in a response form and also order hard copies (1,600 pages!) of the consultation documents. Or call 0870 600 5533. Ask for all documents related to the nuclear policy statement and ‘justification’. Or simply send in your response by email to:

_energynpsconsultation@opm.co.uk_ (mailto:energynpsconsultation@opm.co.uk)

On the stop Hinkley website you will find two letters addressed to Government departments. You can use them to respond to the consultations. Simply add your name and address and post to the address at the top of the letters. Alternately you can adapt them with your own words.
_http://www.stophinkley.org/EngRevu/Template%20Justification%20response.doc_

(http://www.stophinkley.org/EngRevu/Template%20Justification%20response.doc)
_http://www.stophinkley.org/Temporary/OPMJan2010Template.doc_
(http://www.stophinkley.org/Temporary/OPMJan2010Template.doc)

Jim Duffy
Stop Hinkley Coordinator