NationStates Jolt Archive


Civilian Nuclear Power

The Beltway
24-03-2006, 02:43
I'm planning on creating a resolution enshrining the right of nations to share purely-civilian nuclear technology and perhaps setting up an organization to offer voluntary assistance in designing and maintaining nuclear plants. Is this feasible and useful, or not? All suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.
Gruenberg
24-03-2006, 05:44
I'm planning on creating a resolution enshrining the right of nations to share purely-civilian nuclear technology and perhaps setting up an organization to offer voluntary assistance in designing and maintaining nuclear plants. Is this feasible and useful, or not? All suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.
I think it's a good idea. So does Yelda, who has a draft of such a proposal already. His is about sharing technology; the second half, about assistance in nuclear power, I don't believe he has covered, so perhaps you could work on that aspect? An NSIAEA?
The Beltway
24-03-2006, 22:54
An NS IAEA would be useful; it could both provide assistance in civilian nuclear technology and could help gather intelligence to properly assess complaince by UN members with the non-proliferation act, assuming it's passed.

How about naming this the Atomic Energy Commission, to go for a more classic name? As for details, participation would be voluntary; aid is by request. Aid would consist of helping build reactors that cannot be used to create nuclear weaponry and of helping maintain reactors; further, atomic research could be conducted through the offices of the AEC.

Suggestions?
Dancing Bananland
25-03-2006, 04:33
I like the idea, although a bent towards research into making nuclear power safer would be helpful. As at their current state I don't trust nuke plants as far as I could throw them (OOC: *cough*Chyrnoblethreemileisland*cough*) and a "filter" limitng the ability to share power-plant information that could lead to illicit weapons sharing, as well as the ability to head investigations into potential abuses of the system woule be a good idea.
The Beltway
25-03-2006, 04:54
Thanks. Research into plant safety would be certainly a viable option for AEC research; further, good plant maintenance and management might help prevent another Chernobyl or Three Mile Island. Finally, concentrating atomic research in AEC plants, which will be separated from normal power grids and staffed exclusively by nuclear scientists, will make atomic research safer and more productive.

So, the AEC's tasks will be threefold:
1) Assistance in (civilian-only) nuclear reactor design and maintenance
2) Atomic research
3) Investigating attempts to proliferate nuclear secrets through the AEC

Good?
The Most Glorious Hack
25-03-2006, 05:21
(OOC: *cough*Chyrnoblethreemileisland*cough*)*cough*oldtechnologythatisnolongerusedlearnbeforeyouyammer*co ugh*
Ausserland
25-03-2006, 05:33
This is certainly an idea worth exploring further. We'd suggest it include provisions for research and assistance in nuclear surety. (Surety = safety + security) With the current concerns about terrorists targeting nuclear facilities, this might be particularly worthwhile.

Hurlbot Barfanger
Ambassador to the United Nations
Dancing Bananland
25-03-2006, 06:57
OOC: Well, I didn't say it was as likely nowadays, I just still personally get ancy about nuclear power...its not entirely unlike my arachnaphobia, not really rational. The point is, even though the technology is better it doesn't mean power-plants are fool-proof, and safety measures and technology can still get better, they always can. End OOC

I beleive that another duty of the AEC should be to look into better ways of reducing toxic waste. From finding safer ways to store toxic waste in all its forms, to recycling used uranium/plutonium and keeping it out of the hands of terrorists. As well as advancing technology to reduce waste output, such as superior cooling systems, and the aformentioned recycling programs.
Gruenberg
25-03-2006, 08:29
Perhaps also some promotion of fusion research, and I definitely think the representative of Dancing Bananland has a point with regard to researching nuclear waste disposal.
St Edmund
25-03-2006, 11:26
The governent of St Edmund agrees that some promotion of fusion research sounds like a good idea.

OOC: although of course there are NSUN members who already have working fusion reactors...
Gruenberg
25-03-2006, 11:27
OOC: although of course there are NSUN members who already have working fusion reactors...
OOC: True. That's why I think a "promotion of research" clause would be sufficiently neutral as to not cause RP problems.
The Beltway
25-03-2006, 16:58
Atomic research covers research into plant safety and into fusion power; however, a separate clause about research into more effective means of disposing of nuclear wastes would be useful.
Libre Arbitre
25-03-2006, 22:16
Perhaps also some promotion of fusion research, and I definitely think the representative of Dancing Bananland has a point with regard to researching nuclear waste disposal.

This makes sense. Fusion technology has the potential to be much more efficient than traditional nuclear technology. Also, not to micromanage, but the technology of the breeder reactor has also shown to cut pollution by allowing contaminated water to be re-used multiple times instead of being discharged as waste. Promotion of this kind of technology would be helpful in increasing efficiency and also limiting waste products (which can be used for weapons).
Jonquiere-Tadoussac
26-03-2006, 07:45
Also, not to micromanage, but the technology of the breeder reactor has also shown to cut pollution by allowing contaminated water to be re-used multiple times instead of being discharged as waste. Promotion of this kind of technology would be helpful in increasing efficiency and also limiting waste products (which can be used for weapons).
I don't think you have to micromanage to have this type of thing. What about extending any promotion of fusion reactors to all new forms of civilian usage nuclear reactors? That could cover both the fusion and breeder reactors, as well as anything else that someone could come up with of a nuclear fashion...
The Beltway
27-03-2006, 21:16
(Note that this was created from a merger of the AEC and Yelda's nuclear trade proposal; all text marked in italics was added by myself)

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECALLING the passage of United Nations Resolution 151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act”;

AFFIRMING the principle that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the fullest possible exchange of scientific information for the further development of the applications of atomic energy for peaceful purposes;

NOTING that research is often a collaborative process that can involve scientists from multiple nations;

DECLARING that the benefits of peaceful applications of nuclear technology should be available for peaceful purposes to all UN member nations;

FURTHER DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation and associated technologies for peaceful purposes;

ACKNOWLEDGING that accidents involving nuclear reactors often have international impact, and tend to spill over into neighboring nations;

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING that current means of handling nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

REALISING that the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors is a concern to many nations;

HEREBY,

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of nuclear power generation technology between UN nations;

2. FURTHER ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;

3. REQUIRES the immediate elimination of all tariffs, duties, subsidies and subventions restricting the trade of nuclear power generation technology, nuclear power generation equipment and fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation;

4. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

5. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation;

6. CALLS UPON UN member nations to, except in cases where private entities already conduct such research, conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation;

7. ESTABLISHES the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), which will have the following tasks:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of disposing of nuclear materials,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;

8. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the AEC.

Thoughts/Comments/Critiques/Suggestions? Post.
Teruchev
27-03-2006, 21:34
*cough*oldtechnologythatisnolongerusedlearnbeforeyouyammer*cough*

:p
Jonquiere-Tadoussac
28-03-2006, 00:28
RECALLING the passage of United Nations Resolution 151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act”;
Always be careful of the HoC argument.

2. FURTHER ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;
I'd expand this to include all materials that can be used in nuclear power generation, such as for fusion reactors, etc.

3. REQUIRES the immediate elimination of all tariffs, duties, subsidies and subventions restricting the trade of nuclear power generation technology, nuclear power generation equipment and fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation;

4. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;
I don't see why #3 need apply at all to trading with non-UN members, which would make #4 irrelevant. Besides, remember that you can't make non-UN members eliminate tariffs with a UN resolution.

7. ESTABLISHES the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), which will have the following tasks:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of disposing of nuclear materials,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;

8. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the AEC.
Good.
Fonzoland
28-03-2006, 01:39
Always be careful of the HoC argument.
Not a problem. You can quote other resolutions in the preamble. The proposal will still stand on its own if #151 is repealed.
The Beltway
28-03-2006, 02:32
There's been a suggestion to move the AEC sections (7 and 8) before the free trade sections. Thoughts?
Fonzoland
28-03-2006, 02:52
There's been a suggestion to move the AEC sections (7 and 8) before the free trade sections. Thoughts?

Wonderful idea. Whoever suggested it should get a medal. It is really, really nifty! I support it. :p
Ecopoeia
28-03-2006, 16:11
I think I speak for almost all Ecopoeians when I say "No, no, a thousand times NO!".

Honestly, eliminating protectionist mechanisms in the exchange of nuclear material and information? Madness.

Mathieu Vergniaud
Deputy Speaker to the UN
Jonquiere-Tadoussac
28-03-2006, 20:54
Not a problem. You can quote other resolutions in the preamble. The proposal will still stand on its own if #151 is repealed.
True. I'm just restating the need to watch for HoC, which can happen if these things get a little built up...

And I think the AEC is stronger in this resolution than the free trade parts. I prefer it greatly over those. So, yes, definitely move it up above the free trade parts.
The Beltway
28-03-2006, 22:51
The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECALLING the passage of United Nations Resolution 151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act”;

AFFIRMING the principle that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the fullest possible exchange of scientific information for the further development of the applications of atomic energy for peaceful purposes;

NOTING that research is often a collaborative process that can involve scientists from multiple nations;

DECLARING that the benefits of peaceful applications of nuclear technology should be available for peaceful purposes to all UN member nations;

FURTHER DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation and associated technologies for peaceful purposes;

ACKNOWLEDGING that accidents involving nuclear reactors often have international impact;

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING that current means of handling nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

REALISING that the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors is a concern to many nations;

HEREBY,

1. ESTABLISHES the Nuclear Energy Research Commission (NERC), which will have the following tasks:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of disposing of nuclear materials,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;

2. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the NERC;

3. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of nuclear power generation technology between UN nations;

4. FURTHER ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;

5. REQUIRES the elimination of all tariffs, duties, subsidies and subventions restricting the trade of nuclear power generation technology, nuclear power generation equipment and fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation within eleven years;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation;

8. CALLS UPON UN member nations to, except in cases where private entities already conduct such research, conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation.


Things of note:
Name changed to NERC to avoid an RL reference
Eleven-year period to end related tariffs
NERC authorization comes first here
The Beltway
29-03-2006, 00:45
Or do you prefer this language?


The General Assembly of the United Nations,

APPLAUDING the passage of Resolution #151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act,”

BELIEVING the benefits of peaceful atomic energy technology should be available to all UN member nations,

AFFIRMING the right of UN member nations to exchange scientific information on the peaceful application of atomic energy,

NOTING that scientific advancement benefits greatly from collaboration of scientists from multiple nations,

CONCERNED with the potentially international and devastating impact of accidents involving nuclear reactors,

ACKNOWLEDGING that current techniques for disposal of nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

RECOGNISING the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors,

DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in said technological applications,

HEREBY:

1. ESTABLISHES the Nuclear Energy Research Commission (NERC), mandated to:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of nuclear waste disposal,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;

2. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the NERC;

3. CALLS UPON UN member nations to conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation, especially when such research in not already conducted by private entities;

4. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of nuclear power generation technology between UN nations;

5. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;

6. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of nuclear power generation technology, equipment and fissionable materials, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

7. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-member nations to prevent price dumping;

8. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation.
Jonquiere-Tadoussac
29-03-2006, 02:15
The second one is better... definitely the second one. This is really starting to look good. :)

Comments:

3. CALLS UPON UN member nations to conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation, especially when such research in not already conducted by private entities;What about not already conducted by other entities... I wouldn't really call the NERC a private entity, but I think that nations should be encouraged to research things that would not be overlapping, so as to acheive greater progress.

4. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of nuclear power generation technology between UN nations;

5. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of fissionable materials used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;
Combine these and remove the "fissionable" from #5: i.e. "ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of materials and technology used in nuclear power generation between UN nations;"
Fonzoland
29-03-2006, 03:19
As the thread builds up, it is useful to have the last draft updated in the first post. And include this line in the end:

Co-authored by Yelda
Yelda
29-03-2006, 08:41
And include this line in the end:

Co-authored by Yelda
And these lines at the top:

Category : Free Trade
Strength : Strong
The Beltway
29-03-2006, 22:26
Category : Free Trade
Strength : Strong

(Co-authored by Yelda)

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

APPLAUDING the passage of Resolution #151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act,”

BELIEVING the benefits of peaceful atomic energy technology should be available to all UN member nations,

AFFIRMING the right of UN member nations to exchange scientific information on the peaceful application of atomic energy,

NOTING that scientific advancement benefits greatly from collaboration of scientists from multiple nations,

CONCERNED with the potentially international and devastating impact of accidents involving nuclear reactors,

ACKNOWLEDGING that current techniques for disposal of nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

RECOGNISING the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors,

DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in said technological applications,

HEREBY:

1. ESTABLISHES the Nuclear Energy Research Commission (NERC), mandated to:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of nuclear waste disposal,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;
2. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the NERC;

3. CALLS UPON UN member nations to conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation, especially when such research is not already being conducted by other entities;

4. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of nuclear power generation materials and technology between UN nations;

5. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of nuclear power generation technology, equipment and fissionable materials, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-member nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation.


Comments? Further, title? Post.
Gruenberg
29-03-2006, 22:33
Don't write "co-authored by Yelda and The Beltway"; that's branding. Just credit Yelda: assuming you submit it, your name will automatically appear at the top.

Otherwise, I like it.
Hirota
29-03-2006, 22:34
You can only have co-authorships credits for one nation - get rid of Beltway on the last line (you will be credited still when the resolution passes).

Other than that, I like it.

EDIT: There an echo in here? ;)
The Beltway
29-03-2006, 22:36
Sorry; I forgot that it credits the author of the resolution. I'll fix it above.

EDIT - How's that? I'm not exactly sure how specifically to give credit...
Gruenberg
29-03-2006, 22:44
I think the stock phrase "Co-authored by Yelda" works best.
The Beltway
29-03-2006, 22:48
Thanks. I'll update it.
Yelda
30-03-2006, 06:22
Category : Free Trade
Strength : Strong

(Co-authored by Yelda)

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

APPLAUDING the passage of Resolution #151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act,”

BELIEVING the benefits of peaceful atomic energy technology should be available to all UN member nations,

AFFIRMING the right of UN member nations to exchange scientific information on the peaceful application of atomic energy,

NOTING that scientific advancement benefits greatly from collaboration of scientists from multiple nations,

CONCERNED with the potentially international and devastating impact of accidents involving nuclear reactors,

ACKNOWLEDGING that current techniques for disposal of nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

RECOGNISING the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors,

DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in said technological applications,

HEREBY:

1. ESTABLISHES the Nuclear Energy Research Commission (NERC), mandated to:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of nuclear waste disposal,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;
2. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the NERC;

3. CALLS UPON UN member nations to conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation, especially when such research is not already being conducted by other entities;

4. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of nuclear power generation materials and technology between UN nations;

5. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of nuclear power generation technology, equipment and fissionable materials, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-member nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation.


Comments? Further, title? Post.

I like it. Oh and, what I meant by having "Free Trade, Strong" at the top was that's the category and strength it should be. Don't put that in the actual text you submit. Move the (Co-authored by Yelda) to the end and I think it's pretty well finished, unless there are further suggestions. Good work, The Beltway!
As for a title, "Free Trade in Nuclear Energy" is probably too long. "Nuclear Free Trade" will frighten people. "Advancement of Nuclear Energy"? Let me think about it. When did you think you might be ready to submit?

edit: And I'd still like to see "and electrical power generated by nuclear power plants" added to Article 5, or the addition of one more article. Perhaps something like this:
FURTHER REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of electrical power generated by nuclear power plants, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;
Ausserland
30-03-2006, 07:01
I like it. Oh and, what I meant by having "Free Trade, Strong" at the top was that's the category and strength it should be. Don't put that in the actual text you submit. Move the (Co-authored by Yelda) to the end and I think it's pretty well finished, unless there are further suggestions. Good work, The Beltway!
As for a title, "Free Trade in Nuclear Energy" is probably too long. "Nuclear Free Trade" will frighten people. "Advancement of Nuclear Energy"? Let me think about it. When did you think you might be ready to submit?

We thought the positioning of the co-author statement was a good idea. It seems fitting that the co-author should be credited at the top of the proposal.

We look forward to voting for this fine proposal.

Patrick T. Olembe
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Godwinnia
30-03-2006, 10:43
The government of St Edmund will approve this proposal.


(posting as 'Godwinnia' because I'm having trouble logging on as 'St Edmund' today...)
The Beltway
30-03-2006, 22:34
(Co-authored by Yelda)

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

APPLAUDING the passage of Resolution #151 “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act,”

BELIEVING the benefits of peaceful atomic energy technology should be available to all UN member nations,

AFFIRMING the right of UN member nations to exchange scientific information on the peaceful application of atomic energy,

NOTING that scientific advancement benefits greatly from collaboration of scientists from multiple nations,

CONCERNED with the potentially international and devastating impact of accidents involving nuclear reactors,

ACKNOWLEDGING that current techniques for disposal of nuclear waste materials are often lacking;

RECOGNISING the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors,

DECLARING that all UN member nations are entitled to participate in the free trade of fissionable materials used in said technological applications,

HEREBY:

1. ESTABLISHES the Nuclear Energy Research Commission (NERC), mandated to:
I - Coordinate research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation,
II - Coordinate research into safer means of nuclear waste disposal,
III - Support efforts to improve the security of nuclear plants;
2. STRONGLY URGES UN member nations to provide assistance to the NERC;

3. CALLS UPON UN member nations to conduct research into safer and more efficient methods of nuclear power generation, especially when such research is not already being conducted by other entities;

4. ENCOURAGES the sale and transfer of nuclear power generation materials and technology between UN nations;

5. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of nuclear power generation technology, equipment and fissionable materials, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

6. FURTHER REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricing the trade of electrical power generated by nuclear power plants, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

7. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-member nations to prevent price dumping;

8. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation.
Cluichstan
30-03-2006, 22:38
OOC: Dude...you still need to put the co-author credit at the end.
The Beltway
30-03-2006, 22:41
Sorry; forgot about that. Otherwise, good?
Ausserland
30-03-2006, 23:43
OOC: Dude...you still need to put the co-author credit at the end.

OOC: Why? What says it can't stay where it is?
Hirota
30-03-2006, 23:46
It's just a matter of personal asthetics.

Leave it there it you want it there.
The Beltway
31-03-2006, 00:02
Suggestions for the name of this resolution? I'll post it tomorrow, assuming that there are no more problems with it.
Gruenberg
31-03-2006, 00:04
Nuclear Energy Research Act?
The Beltway
31-03-2006, 15:57
The Nuclear Energy Research Act (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal1/match=Nuclear Energy) is up. Vote for it, please!
St Edmund
31-03-2006, 18:11
The "Nuclear Energy Research Act" is up. Vote for it, please!


Approved.
The Beltway
31-03-2006, 18:18
Indeed. Eight down, 117 to go...