2008 Internship Project Descriptions
North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction
Network
(NC WARN)
NC WARN is a member-based nonprofit working
to reduce damage to public health and the environment caused
by industrial and radioactive pollution. We focus on minimizing
risks from nuclear power and other polluting electricity generation
- by emphasizing conservation as the vital bridge to a sustainable
future. In partnership with other citizen groups, we use sound
scientific research, advocacy and public education and involvement.
www.ncwarn.org
The following information applies to all
NC WARN projects:
NC WARN has a longstanding commitment to provide
interns with an interesting and challenging experience that
involves them fully in the work. Our intern will gain broad
experience with grassroots activism.
Location: NC WARN's office is at 2812 Hillsborough
Road,
Durham, NC 27705
Contact person: Lyn Gould
Phone: 919-416-5077
Fax: 919-286-3885
Email: lyn@ncwarn.org,
Web: www.ncwarn.org
Project Proposal 1
Research on Nuclear Plant Safety
Project Description: NC WARN has been
monitoring safety and security issues with the troubled Shearon
Harris Nuclear Plant in Wake County for more than a decade.
In August 2007 Federal investigators levied a $65,000 penalty
against Progress Energy, owner of the Shearon Harris nuclear
plant, ending a wide-ranging security scandal that began in
December 2005. In July, the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) announced it will study the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's
enforcement of fire safety standards at Shearon Harris and
other U.S. nuclear power plants.
In early November 2007 a train carrying nuclear
waste from Shearon Harris derailed before it left the grounds
of the plant. Though the hazardous waste was not on a car
that derailed and no injuries were reported, the incident
is one in a long line of safety risks inherent to repeated
cost cutting measures undertaken by Progress.
NC WARN's goal is to reduce the risks of nuclear
power plants and nuclear waste. Our summer intern will be
an integral part of our working towards this goal.
Responsibilities:
1) Research the history of challenges to the safety records
of one or more nuclear power plants.
2) Review assessments of the GAO response to the handling
of fire safety hazards at Shearon Harris and other plants
around the country and lessons learned that may be applicable.
3) Work with staff and outside experts to research and prepare
chronologies and summaries of the plant's track record with
regard to a number of specific safety and security issues,
using the NRC's extensive website and other sources.
4) Assist staff to prepare presentations and brief public
officials, the public, and the media on relevant findings.
Duties will depend on the specific issues being addressed
by NC WARN at the time, the needs of the organization, and
the skills and interests of the intern.
Qualifications:
(1) Strong interest in energy and public safety issues
(2) Strong internet search, computer, research and writing
skills
(3) Completion of appropriate courses on energy and public
safety issues is desirable.
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Project Proposal 2
Policy Intern for work on Emergency Preparedness
Project Description: Since 1993 NC WARN
has focused on protecting North Carolina from the dangers
associated with nuclear power plants and nuclear waste. Over
the years we have become one of the leading non-profits in
the state working on these issues. We regularly liaise with
national experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists, NIRS,
Greenpeace, and the Nuclear Security Coalition as well as
with local grassroots groups and government agencies.
NC WARN believes that there is a significant
risk of accidents at nuclear power plants. The Shearon Harris
Nuclear Plant, located just south of the Triangle, is one
of the most dangerous in the nation. We are currently working
with several local governments on issues relating to emergency
preparedness and evacuation plans.
Responsibilities:
(1) Prepare a whitepaper documenting the deficiencies of
the current plans.
(2) Research the history of challenges to the evacuation
plans of other nuclear power plants.
(3) Review assessments the government response and evacuation
of Apex after the fire at the EQ hazardous waste storage
facility and lessons that may be applicable.
(4) Help brief and coordinate with staff from local governments
on emergency preparedness issues.
Duties will depend on the specific issues being
addressed by NC WARN at the time, the needs of the organization,
and the skills and interests of the intern.
Qualifications:
(1) Strong interest in nuclear power and public safety
issues
(2) Strong internet search, computer, research and writing
skills
(3) Completion of appropriate courses in environmental issues
and planning is desirable.
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Project Proposal 3
Policy Intern for work on Nuclear Power and Global Warming
Project Description: Since 1993 NC WARN
has focused on protecting North Carolina from the dangers
associated with nuclear power plants and nuclear waste. Over
the years we have become one of the leading non-profits in
the state working on these issues. We regularly liaise with
national experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists, NIRS,
Greenpeace, and the Nuclear Security Coalition as well as
with local grassroots groups and government agencies.
NC WARN believes that the case against no new
nuclear plants is strong, especially in the context of ongoing
drought conditions in the southeast and intensifying consequences
of global warming worldwide. Pursuing multi-billion dollar
plants is squandering the time and resources needed to slow
global warming. In particular, debate over more nuclear energy
is a dangerous distraction from genuine climate solutions:
cutting waste, ramping up clean generation, and cogeneration
at commercial and industrial facilities.
Responsibilities:
1) Prepare a white paper documenting the deficiencies of
nuclear power as a valid solution to global warming.
2) Assist NC WARN's legal counsel and staff to prepare filings
and testimony on these issues as they pertain to the possible
licensing of additional reactors at Shearon Harris. 3) Review
the economic consequences of investing in new nuclear plants,
as opposed to investing an equivalent amount in efficiency
and renewables.
Duties will depend on the specific issues being addressed
by NC WARN at the time, the needs of the organization, and
the skills and interests of the intern.
Qualifications:
1) Strong interest in energy and global warming issues
2) Strong internet, computer, research and writing skills
3) Completion of appropriate courses in environmental issues
and planning is desirable.
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Project Proposal 4
Policy Intern for work on Sustainable Local Energy Plans
Project Description: NC WARN is interested
in working with surrounding towns, cities, and counties as
well as with allied groups to help develop local energy plans
which minimize greenhouse gas emissions while maximizing the
livability of communities. A number of communities in the
United States and around the world have developed such plans
which are in various stages of implementation. We are looking
for examples that are both visionary and practical to inspire
and guide the development and implementation of such plans
in this area.
Responsibilities:
1) Work with staff, allied groups, local government staff,
and outside experts to research the most promising and relevant
examples of local government plans and experiments, and
compile summaries and contact information on each.
2) Work with staff to prepare a white paper, testimony,
and a presentation on this material.
3) Work with staff to meet with local groups and public
officials to present this material to engender interest
in developing similar local energy plans.
Duties will depend on the specific issues being addressed
by NC WARN at the time, the needs of the organization, and
the skills and interests of the intern.
Requirements/Qualifications:
1) Strong interest in sustainable energy issues
2) Strong internet search, computer, research and
writing skills
3) Completion of appropriate courses on environmental
and energy issues is desirable.
Project Proposal 5
Policy Intern on Green Jobs
Project Description: NC WARN has been working
closely with Grassroots Energy Alliance (GEA), the NAACP,
and other groups to develop what we are calling a "black,
brown, and green alliance" for training and securing employment
for low-income and at-risk youth for the green jobs in North
Carolina's future. We plan to work with high schools and community
colleges to develop education programs and apprenticeships
in green construction, weatherization, solar installation,
water conservation and similar elements of a new green economy.
We are now planning a major conference on the subject later
in the year at which we hope to bring such green jobs pioneers
as Van Jones from the Ella Baker Center in Oakland, Majora
Carter from the Sustainable South Bronx project, and leaders
of the Apollo Alliance. Grassroots Energy Alliance (GEA) includes
NC WARN, Interfaith Power and Light of the NC Council of Churches,
SURGE (Students United for a Responsible Global Environment),
and NC Fair Share.
Responsibilities:
1) Work with staff, GEA, the NC NAACP, other allies and outside
experts to research both the details of the best green jobs
programs aimed at at-risk youth and the best ways to incorporating
a green jobs program into high school and community college
programs.
2) Research Federal and state funding opportunities for
the program.
3) Work with staff to prepare and present one or more briefing
papers for staff and allies on these questions.
4) Attend meetings with staff and allies as they meet with
local government, school, and other officials develop the
program.
Requirements/Qualifications:
1) Strong interest in sustainable energy, at-risk youth,
and green jobs.
2) Strong internet, computer, research and writing skills
3) Completion of appropriate courses on environmental and
energy issues is desirable.
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