PR:Nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent rally at people's climate march in New York Cit September 21

NUCLEAR INFORMATION AND RESOURCE SERVICE 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 340, Takoma Park, MD 20912 301-270-NIRS (301-270-6477); Fax: 301-270-4291 [mailto:nirsnetATnirsDOTorg nirsnet AT nirs DOT org]; http://www.nirs.org

NEWS FROM NIRS For Immediate Release September 18, 2014

Nuclear-free, carbon-free contingent rally at people's climate march in New York Cit September 21
Knowledgeable and active speakers/performers will make clear: A clean, safe, affordable energy system is the solution to the climate crisis

The Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent to the People's Climate March will sponsor a rally at the march site in Central Park on Sunday, September 21 from 10 am through 11:30 am.

The rally is one of only a small handful that will take place in the large assembly area for the People's Climate March, which may bring a crowd of historic proportions to the Park.

The rally will be held at the Contingent's Assembly Point; Central Park West between 73rd and 74th Streets. The stage will be set up at 73rd Street, facing north.

Speakers include Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research and author of the groundbreaking 2007 book: Carbon-Free, Nuclear-Free: A Roadmap for U.S. Energy Policy. This was the first comprehensive study that showed conclusively that a clean energy system would be feasible in the U.S. by mid-century.

Other speakers include Hunter Lovins, President and Founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions, one of the nation's leading experts in sustainable energy practices; Jessica Azulay, Program Director with New York's Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE); Julia Walsh, Campaign Director of Frack Action & New Yorkers Against Fracking; Tim Judson, executive director of NIRS; Native American activist Leona Morgan of Dine´ No Nukes in New Mexico; Japanese activist Yuko Tonohira; and Sandra Steingraber, Concerned Health Professionals of New York and Distinguished Scholar at Ithaca College. Renowned poet Marge Piercy, who cannot attend, is contributing two new poems to be read at the rally. Michael Mariotte, President of NIRS, will MC the event.

Performers include Raging Grannies, New York singer/songwriter Joel Landy, Hudson Valley folk duo Mel & Vinnie, and Japanese activist and vocalist Chiho Kaneko.

"This Contingent is marching in the "Solutions" section of the Climate March for obvious reasons," said Michael Mariotte, President of Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS), which has been organizing and coordinating the Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent. "The solution to our climate crisis is a safe, clean and affordable energy system that releases neither carbon nor methane nor generates radioactive waste and is not subject to catastrophic nuclear meltdowns and other toxic radiation releases," said Mariotte.

"Even ten years ago, the very notion of a nuclear-free, carbon-free energy system might have been considered a pipedream," added Mariotte. "But because of technological advances and plunging costs for clean renewable energy sources, the reality is we will be able to meet our electricity needs-even before mid-century-entirely with clean, renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency coupled with 21st century technology like smart grids and distributed generation. All that's lacking is the political will to do so. And that's why we're marching on September 21 and why we'll continue to pressure policymakers across the country to support clean energy."

"Nuclear power is counterproductive to addressing global warming: it is too expensive, takes too long to build, and the nuclear fuel chain is not carbon-free," said Mariotte. "Every dollar invested in nuclear power is a dollar not invested in safer, cleaner and cheaper energy sources that are faster at reducing carbon emissions. Our choice is stark: we can choose nuclear power, or we can address global warming. We can't do both. Fortunately, the choice is an easy one."

The Nuclear-Free, Carbon-Free Contingent will have a vibrant, visible presence at the People's Climate March. The Contingent will be ringed by 650 bright yellow (with orange smiling sun) "Nuclear Power? No Thanks" flags and hundreds of Don't Nuke the Climate Posters. A giant King CONG prop (Coal, Oil, Nuclear, Gas) will march with the group, and banners and signs reflecting concerns of people from across the country will also be colorful and relevant.

People from many states and many local campaigns to close unnecessary, uneconomic, and dangerous nuclear reactors will be part of the Contingent, including delegations from Indian Point (NY), Pilgrim (MA), Oyster Creek, (NJ), Davis-Besse (OH), Calvert Cliffs (MD), North Anna (VA), Vermont Yankee (VT), Watts Bar (TN) and even Diablo Canyon (CA) and more.

Contact: Michael Mariotte, President 301-270-6477; 301-325-8014 (m)