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SIT Professor and Activist Jeff Unsicker wins Citizen Activist Award

Unsicker works to rid Vermont of the dangers of nuclear energy

Brattleboro, VT (March 28, 2007) Vermont Public Interest Research Group has presented School for International Training professor and local Brattleboro resident, Jeff Unsicker, with the Citizen Activist Award. They also included a write-up in their newsletter, describing Jeff as a superhero for all his activism work in the fight to close the nuclear energy plant, Vermont Yankee. Jeff is quoted in the article by VPIRG as saying, "We live within 10 miles of the reactor. Our entire livelihoods, if not our lives, would be lost if there is an accident or terrorist attack".

Since 2003, Jeff and his wife have been involved in bringing awareness to the community and Vermont about the dangers of nuclear energy, production and disposal. Jeff and his Nuclear Free Vermont colleagues believe that Vermont is too dependent on dirty, dangerous, and expensive sources of power. They are working to address the fact that currently 55% of Vermont's electricity comes from an aging nuclear reactor and fossil fuels that create smog, global warming and radioactive waste.  In fact, Nuclear Free Vermont worked during the 2006 legislative sessions to educate politicians about the harm of nuclear energy and the benefits of replacing the current system with clean, safe and affordable sources of energy.

A Vermont House bill, H.225, is expected to pass with a significant commitment to increasing these sources of power, including wind, hydro and biomass. Unfortunately, it will likely fall short of the 40% target. Soon after the legislature reconvenes, the bill will then go to the Vermont Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, from Windham County, and his fellow Senators will then have the opportunity to amend the bill to insure that it meets the target.

The ever committed and tireless activist, Jeff urges those to voice their concern by signing the statewide Save Power Vermont petition.Anyone who lives, works and/or shops in Vermont is encouraged to show his or her support and strengthen H.225. There are many more ways to get involved and if you are interested in learning more about Jeff Unsicker and Nuclear Free Vermont's work, please visit: http://www.nuclearfreevermont.org/