Pros/Cons of the STNP Power Plant for Latinos in Austin and surrounding areas
Description:
"A esta hora conversamos", a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: Alma Diaz interviews Marcos de Leon, community activist and Vice President of East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association, and Margaret Gomez, Precinct 4 Constable, on the City of Austin's involvement in the South Texas Nuclear Project (STNP). Gomez discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the STNP. Gomez outlines a number of disadvantages of the program including economic, health, and safety concerns. Gomez highlights concerns regarding the health risks of mining uranium. She also predicts a high rise in utility rates if the Austin was to continue with the program. The city of Austin spent close to $390 million on the STNP so far and would need another $400 million to stay in the program. If the city were to discontinue their involvement with the program, utilities rates are predicted to fall by 10%. Gomez goes on to explain the basics of nuclear energy and how nuclear power is transferred for usage. Gomez goes on to discuss the affect that Proposal 7 would have on poor Austinites. Leon discusses affordability of the current electric rate for Austin Chicanos. Leon moves on to discuss the previous elections surrounding Austin's purchasing of shares in the STNP. Specifically, regarding the turnout of Austin Chicanos in those elections. Leon voices his concerns about the health risks with nuclear power and the possibility of a nuclear accident. Leon discusses how a possible nuclear accident would affect poor Austin Chicanos. Leon next discusses Chicano organizing around information campaigns and voter mobilization. Leon and Gomez discuss alternative sources of electric generation. Leon proposes a higher focus in wind and solar energy as they are more useful and reliable. Leon also discusses dam usage in energy production with regards to the Longhorn Dam in East Austin. Gomez discusses the potential for reinvestment of the STNP money into alternative energy sources in the Austin area. Gomez explains the cost benefits of co-generation or recycled energy. Broadcast date: 1981-10-30.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator), Díaz, Alma (host), Gomez, Margaret (interviewee), and de Leon, Marcos (interviewee)
Date Created/Date Issued:
10/30/1981
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin