WEcan "staggered by ECan's proposal to investigate nuclear power.

WEcan, a new group who are contesting seats for the Regional Council in the upcoming local body elections, are "staggered" by the actions of Environment Canterbury (Ecan) councillors who voted at a council meeting last Thursday to investigate nuclear power.

"It is absolutely unbelievable that any ECan councillor would even contemplate the option of going nuclear for New Zealand." said WEcan founder, Mojo Mathers, who is standing in the Christchurch South constituency against incumbent Kerry Burke.

"Let's be quite clear about this, a nuclear future is not a sustainable future. The health and safety issues surrounding surrounding the management of nuclear power and disposal of the resulting radioactive waste are enormous."

"Earthquakes are a constant threat for us as a country. To willingly add to that risk by building a nuclear power plant is unbelievable."

The level of ignorance displayed by the councillors over such a basic issue is frightening."

Mojo Mathers also criticised the actions of the Labour 2021 councillors Kerry Burke, Richard Budd and Ian Robertson who all voted for the motion.

"Labour has always had a clear policy of remaining nuclear-free. I cannot see how they can justify voting in this manner."

"Not only are they voting against their party's stated policy, they are disregarding the fact that the vast majority of New Zealander's, both young and old, do not want nuclear power, and never will."

"There are other options for energy that are both safer and cheaper than nuclear power. ECan must continue to investigate and promote these options that are renewable and sustainable and not waste time on this pointless exercise."

"WEcan applaudes all those councillors who voted against this poorly thought out proposal. In particular, Angus MaKay is to be congratulated for being the only rural councillor with enough common sense to reject the motion. It is a shame that more did not follow his lead."

Website: http://www/wecan.org.nz

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