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--iiiulNAL
RESOLUTION NO. S170
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
URGING CITIZENS '1'0 INFORM THEMSELVES ON THE NUCLEAR
SAFEGUARDS INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the world is running out of fossil fuels and is
facing an energy crisis: and
WHElU!AS, some scientists have proposed rapid development
of nuclear power as a major solution claiming that it is safe,
clean, and economical and that it is necessary to avoid economic
chaos; and
WHEREAS, other scientists contend that the safety of the
nuclear reactors has not been adequately assured and that in-
adequate provision has been made to protect the public and future
generations from the hazards of the deadly and long-lasting
radioactive wastes produced by normal reactor operations: and
WHEREAS, a third group of aci~~tists assert that we can meet
our energy needs without adverse economic consequences through
moderate energy conservation and the development of renewable
sources such as solar and geothermal; a~d
WHEREAS, responsible leaders on all sides agree that the
issue is ~ critical one and ultimately should be resolved by an
info:rmf!(l public; and
WBE~, the Nuclear Safeguards Initiative which has qualified
for the June 9, 1976, ballot provides an opportunity for the public
to express its views on the issue, and it is therefore vitally
important for all citizens to inform themselves between now and
then1· and
WHEREAS, the City Council bas appointed a citizens cormnittee
to review the City's energy needs and the possible sources from
which to meet those needs in the next thirty years:
NOW, 'l'llEREFOU", the Council uf the City of Palo Alto, as a
representative of the City, as a major consumer, and as the bearer
of respoasibility to inform citizens of vital issues, hereby
RESOLVES as follOws:
SECTION l. The Council urges all citizens to participate
actively in the study and hearings now in progress by the Citizens
Committee and to make their views known to that committ-ee so that
the committee and the City Council may meet the needs and repreB2nt
the interests of all residents of Palo Alto.
SEC'l'ION 2. i'heCouncil urges all citizens to intoDtt themselves
as fully as possible on the pros and cons of nuclear power between
now an<t June of 1976, and to that end to study the reports of the
State Assembly Committee on Energy and Diminishing Materials hear-
ings on the Nuclear Safe9Uards Initiative which have been held
to date and to at~end further hearings scheduled tc be held in ...-
Sacramento on December 2, 3, 9, and 10, 1975, ~ hearings·'!flclude
testimony covering all viewpoints_and aspects of the nuclear issue.
SECTION 3. The Council urges the media --newspapers, radio,
and television --to give full coverage to the above hearings for
the purpose of iaforming the local community as to the content
of the hearings.
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SECTION 4. The Council will seek out and pass )n whatever
information tney can find so that this Bicentennial-year decision
on our energy future may be made by an informed public in our
f·inest democratic tradition.
SECTION s. The Council hereby determines that this matter
is not a project as defined in Section 11.04.130 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code and therefore no environmental impact assessment
is necessary. ·
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: November 24, 1975
AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Carey, Comstock, Eyerly, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: None
ABSENT: Norton
ABSTAINING: Clay
A'l'TES'l': APPROVED:
TO FORM:
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APPROVED:
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