HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-1997-054a Resolution Regarding the Use of Plutonium RESOLUTION REGARDING THE USE OF PLUTONIUM
WHEREAS, the Orange County Peace Coalition has brought to the attention of Orange
County Board of Commissioners concerns of NASA's Cassini Space Probe
carrying 72.3 pounds of plutonium-238 to supply power to the instruments on
board; and
WHEREAS, plutonium is one of the most toxic chemicals known; and
WHEREAS, there have been previous mishaps from rocket launchings, orbiting missiles
and returns to earth; and
WHEREAS, the Cassini flying in 1999 from Venus to Earth to gain velocity to pass
Jupiter enroute to Saturn remains a risk; and
WHEREAS, future missions are scheduled to continue to use plutonium as a power
source.
NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED, the Orange County Board of
Commissioners hereby resolve to join scientists and other citizens who want these
space missions carrying plutonium to discontinue until other sources of energy are
used; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
appeal to the President and North Carolina's congressional delegation to postpone
these planned space missions using plutonium until an alternate, safer technology is
developed.
This the 19th day of November, 1997.
William L. Crowt er, hair
Stephen aliotisVice-Chair
ai�✓t� �
argaret W Brown, Member
Moses Carey,Jr. Member
/rc
Alice M. Gordon,Member