Thursday December 22, 2022

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act offers funds for those impacted by nuclear weapons testing and the uranium industry. Although President Biden signed a two-year extension of the bill before its expiration over the summer, Phil Harrison, an advocate for Navajo workers and downwinders, would like to see more. He’s been pushing for an amendment to RECA that includes expanding who is covered. And he says those Navajo who should qualify for compensation often don't have the required proof of residence or employment. Plus, the main branch of the Boulder Public Library closed Monday afternoon to allow for testing related to methamphetamine contamination. And 2022 was a particularly bad year for the Colorado River. The 23-year drought across the Southwest grew worse and demand for the river’s water continued to outstrip supply. Climate change is shrinking the river that supplies 1 in 10 Americans and policymakers are caught in a standoff about how to share it.

// Show Notes:

// Photo: The Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project is a reminder of the legacy of the uranium industry, its impact on the landscape and people. The project is cleaning up uranium tailings left by the former Atlas Minerals Corp Mill. KZMU

// KZMU: Benefits for Those Harmed by the Nuclear Industry Are Expiring. Advocates Are Racing to Help as Many as They Can
https://www.kzmu.org/benefits-for-those-harmed-by-the-nuclear-industry-are-expiring-advocates-are-racing-to-help-as-many-as-they-can/

// Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
https://www.justice.gov/civil/common/reca

// The Denver Post: Boulder’s main library closed indefinitely after tests find high meth levels in restroom exhaust vents
https://www.denverpost.com/2022/12/20/boulder-public-library-meth-smoking-restrooms/