tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post4660958438949207286..comments2023-10-28T11:29:07.881-03:00Comments on Politics from a New Brunswick perspective: Nuclear part deuxnbpoliticohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09517401409653124082noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-59713186128543494622007-08-03T08:48:00.000-03:002007-08-03T08:48:00.000-03:00RobWe can't even differ on who should own it and f...Rob<BR/><BR/>We can't even differ on who should own it and finance it because that decision hasn't even been made yet. We are wide open to who should own it and finance it. It maybe us totally, partially or not at all depending on the business case. See Rob, we don't disagree at all! :)<BR/><BR/>JackJack Keirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11209229763132955253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-62029081821656026032007-08-03T08:02:00.000-03:002007-08-03T08:02:00.000-03:00While others may find comparing Point Lepreau 2 to...While others may find comparing Point Lepreau 2 to the trials of Mother Teresa may be considered a reach, I find the prospect of a second nuclear plant has been covered by the New Brunswick media as bigger than the Second Coming. I expect to see a headline in the Telegraph Journal reporting a joint presser with Jesus and Muhammad expressing Their divine support for a second reactor project. <BR/><BR/>I don't feel a consultant expressing recommendations on a pro-industry report is a devils advocate role. Perhaps if the province made $2.5 million available to a noted opponent of nuclear power, say the Conservation Council, I would feel both sides of the argument were being heard in Cabinet. For such a large decision, one must see both sides of the coin to make a proper decision. <BR/><BR/>My only concern with this entire process is the lack of debate. As I said earlier, the Telegraph Journal, and likely Brunswick News, have staked a large piece of real estate on the Lepreau Bandwagon. How will debate take place when the leading anglophone media outlet has already professed its undying support for the idea? <BR/><BR/>We also have an Official Opposition which is in a leadership limbo the likes of which haven't been seen since the heady days of Gerald Ford. That leaves the NDP to oppose this plan in the legislature. Of course, the NDP is purely a theoretical beast, along the lines of lygers, or unicorns. <BR/><BR/>I think, NBP, that you, I, and the minister are on the same side of the argument when it comes to the safety and applicability of nuclear power. We just differ on how it should be financed, and by whom it should be sold.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-7815622473226031802007-08-02T19:46:00.000-03:002007-08-02T19:46:00.000-03:00NBP. You are right. We are hiring third party inde...NBP. You are right. We are hiring third party independant cosultants to give us recommnedations on the final report. Comparing this to Mother Teresa?Little bit of a reach there Rob but i appreciate the comments.Jack Keirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11209229763132955253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-76127682657356945252007-08-02T19:09:00.000-03:002007-08-02T19:09:00.000-03:00Rob - the province is hiring a consultant to track...Rob - the province is hiring a consultant to track the study as it goes along and to play devil's advocate. If you read the stories I linked above, you'll find that NB Power is not that keen on owning the project so it is very premature to suggest the province will be handing over any kind of cheque let alone one with nin zeroes. Based on the talk I've seen in the papers and from the minister responsible right here on this blog, I would assume that the odds right now are against the province being the biggest share holder in this deal.nbpoliticohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09517401409653124082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-36465395258411907292007-08-02T18:50:00.000-03:002007-08-02T18:50:00.000-03:00I still feel Team CANDU NB has a vested interest i...I still feel Team CANDU NB has a vested interest in producing a report that puts Point Lepreau 2 in a favourable light, as they would likely be looking for government involvement in this process. Every member of the team would benefit from this project even if the province was buying the reactor outright. I therefore see the feasibility study as nothing more than a sales brochure. Sales brochures are valuable sources of information, but are definitely not impartial. <BR/><BR/>Any time government is preparing to invest anywhere near the amount of cash this reactor will take, I feel a generous amount of skepticism is required. Take, as an example, the beatification of Mother Teresa. While she is viewed around the world as the closest thing to a saint the Earth has seen in a while, the Vatican still hired Christopher Hitchens to act as a devil's advocate. The man came into the Holy See, and told the Pope and the Princes of the Church what an awful woman that Agnes Bojaxhiu was. <BR/><BR/>With AECL and Team CANDU writing a pro-nuclear report, what is the harm in the province contracting a con view of the project? I would imagine that we should look at both sides of a potential investment equally before cutting a cheque with 9 zeroes.<BR/><BR/>It seems as everyone, from the Cabinet, the media, the blogosphere, and industry, are treating this opportunity as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and perhaps better. We definitely need a healthy debate in the coming months about this issue. Point Lepreau 1 was not on budget, not on schedule, did not last as long as was advertised, and required much more maintenance than first thought. With that history in mind, industry produced reports about the feasibility of Point Lepreau 2 must be taken with a generous helping of salt. <BR/><BR/>In short, I see this entire province jumping on the nuclear bandwagon. I hope somebody at least is willing to listen to the devil's advocate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-91146210601200595202007-08-02T17:29:00.000-03:002007-08-02T17:29:00.000-03:00Thanks for stopping by Jack, I've got to say, I am...Thanks for stopping by Jack, I've got to say, I am really proud to see you and the government moving ahead on this one!nbpoliticohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09517401409653124082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30694877.post-33263668222003627582007-08-02T17:26:00.000-03:002007-08-02T17:26:00.000-03:00Looks like you were right in your debate with the ...Looks like you were right in your debate with the other folks on nuclear NB Politico. Somebody give me a good reason why we shouldnt go done this road. No risk if we dont want any, decide after the feasibility study is completed if we want an equity position. With respect to the arguement that Team Candu is paying for the study and will make sure the study shows we need anuclear reactor? Keep in mind that SNC Lavilin, General Electric, B & W, Hitachi are also in on the cost of the study. They will want true facts on whether there is a need and a profitable opportunity to build a second reactor. After all, it will be their money on the table for capital costs for construction and maybe operation. Be pretty foolish of these blue chip companies to produce a feasibility study with false assumptions and then base there decision on whether they will invest or not on that report? This is a great opportunity for all of New Brunswick. We find out for free if the business case works. If it does, we get in for some equity and reap some of the profit to pay down NB Power debt. If the business case doesnt work, we walk away. Thanks for discussing this great opportunity NBP!Jack Keirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11209229763132955253noreply@blogger.com