HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 97-255 09/15/1997 Resolution No. s~-zss N.C.S.
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2 of the City of Petaluma, California
3 RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PETALUMA'S SERIOUS CONCERN TO THE
4 INCLUSION OF PLUTONIUM AS PART OF THE CASSINI SPACECRAFT
5 PROJECT DUE TO DANGERS OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
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7 WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Council is charged to protect the health of Petaluma
8 residents; and
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10 WHEREAS, vaporized plutonium dispersed in the atmosphere could pose a severe threat
11 to the health of Sonoma County residents; and
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13 WHEREAS, the Cassini spacecraft scheduled for launch in October 1997 carries 165
14 times as much plutonium as did the Russian spacecraft which, in late November, disintegrated
15 and fell to Earth; and
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17 WHEREAS, the United States government has erred in the past with respect to the risk
18 and to the danger of human exposure to nuclear radiation; and
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20 WHEREAS, plutonium is extremely hazardous when vaporized and, in the past, the
21 vaporization of entire U.S. spacecraft and nuclear generators aboard those spacecrafr has
22 occurred; and
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24 WHEREAS, similar vaporization of 72 pounds of plutonium could pose a terrible health
25 risk to residents of the entire world, including the City of Petaluma; and
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27 WHEREAS, there is under development ultra-thin, high-efficiency solar cells which will
28 be able to perform the same function as plutonium without the dangers described above; and
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30 WHEREAS, the Petaluma City Council does not wish to oppose the Space Program and
31 its mission, but is charged with a responsibility for balancing Petaluma's public safety with
32 scientific zeal and exploration.
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2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVEb that the Petaluma City Council adopts this
3 resolution expressing its serious concerns as to the safety of the Cassini launch and urge the
4 President of the United States, all California members of Congress, and all members of the State
5 Legislature to thoroughly investigate the potential health hazards associated with the Cassini
6 launch as presently designed, to investigate all reasonable alternatives to the present design, and
7 to delay the launch until such time as these studies are completed and evaluated by a competent
8 group from the scientific community.
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Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City. _
REFERENCE: I hemby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) [iA~lfilfd~8'pCFll~ meeting form
on the .._1.5th day of ..........._September......................., rs..97., by the
following vote: _
ity Aftorney
AYES: Keller, Torliatt, Maguire, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Mayor Hilligoss
NOES: Read, Stompe
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ABSENT: NOn2 ~j~~~/ '
ATTEST : ..-----........!!'~1^~v._.F..-..._...........---.......
CityClerk Mayor
Council Fik
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