June 20, 2024

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If you toss a plastic bottle into the Pacific Ocean, well, first, shame on you. But if you do, that bottle can theoretically go on a journey to every other ocean on the planet because they’re all connected in one majestic oceanic system.

But that bottle’s hypothetical trip has very negative consequences for us all, especially as disintegrating plastic in saltwater is eaten by marine life, which we then consume — it’s a troubling cycle, and we’re contributing to it.

Similarly, nuclear waste embarks on a global journey. As Japan continues to dump millions of gallons of radioactive waste from the damaged Fukushima power plant into the Pacific last year, it began a very real journey with lasting consequences for all of us.

This month, we’ll look more closely at both oceans and nuclear waste, and prepare for next month's Nuclear Waste Symposium at UCSD (below). We’ll also remember our dear friend Liz Shear, who passed away earlier this year.

Hope you’re all having a wonderful start to summer!

Bart Ziegler, PhD

President, Samuel Lawrence Foundation

Radioactive Waste Symposium at UCSD

What To Do with Toxic Nuclear Waste?

More than 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste are stored at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Nine million people in Southern California live within 50 miles of this deadly material.

When the nuclear power plant was shut down in 2013, the radioactive waste it produced were stored in poorly designed thin-walled metal canisters, buried on the coast, facing increasingly harsh King Tides—in an area so seismically active it’s known as “Earthquake Bay!”

Few nuclear power plants have face as many threats as San Onofre, but they all share one thing in common: there is no disposal plan — none — for radioactive waste.

That is why the Samuel Lawrence Foundation will host a live symposium on radioactive waste policy in San Diego this July, 24th to convene international experts on the subject and push for a path to address the nuclear-waste problem that poses a catastrophic threat to human and environmental health and security.

Register now for this free event, which will feature distinguished panels discussing the dangers, challenges, and possible solutions to this man-made disaster.

World Oceans Day is one of the bigger social awareness days on the social-good calendar. In this month's episode of our “First Fridays” series, we explored our ocean’s health with a panel of experts providing scientific, academic, and cultural perspectives:

Matthias Egger, an executive at The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ridding the oceans of plastics, including efforts at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Kim McCoy, an international oceanographer known for his environmental design and geopolitical expertise, including nine Polar expeditions. He co-authored the latest edition of the surfer bible "Waves and Beaches"

Emilie McGlone, the director of Peace Boat US, a nonprofit leading scientific expeditions around the globe

Diana Nyad, a world-renowned athlete, famous for swimming from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, a journey documented in the Oscar-nominated film "Nyad"

Captain Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd, an anti-poaching and direct action group, and now runs the Captain Paul Watson Foundation for marine conservation

Watch our esteemed panel to learn about global oceanic systems and what you can do to help!

February 27, 1942 – February 27, 2024

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation, greater San Diego, and the world have lost a great champion. Liz Shear passed away earlier this year on her 82nd birthday.

Liz was a trusted advisor to the Samuel Lawrence Foundation and numerous other nonprofits, including La Colonia de Eden Gardens, Inc., the San Diego Education Fund, Casa de Amparo, the San Diego Opera, Kids for Peace, and more. She also served as a lecturer at the University of San Diego for 15 years.



Her achievements were too many to list, but most notably, she:

• Helped conceive the University of San Diego’s Institute for Nonprofit Education and Research and orchestrated its Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium, drawing around 400 participants annually.
• Established the Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance.
• Received recognition from First Lady Barbara Bush and a Fifth Point of Light Award from President George Bush for her work with abused and neglected children.

We’ll always remember her for her kindness, her colorful robes, and her mentorship. Rest in Peace, Liz.

P.S. Please contact us for a copy of Liz Shears’ 450 page guide on how to start and grow a nonprofit.

PG&E Diablo Canyon Update

Photo Credit: New York Times

Nearly $12 Billion To Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Online Until 2030.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has proposed a staggering $12 billion to keep the aging Diablo Canyon nuclear plant operational until 2030, doubling its previous estimate in just one year. This alarming cost increase is poised to significantly impact California ratepayers, who already face some of the highest electricity rates in the country.

Former California Energy Commission Commissioner John L. Geesman, J.D., expressed deep concern, stating, "This is an astronomical cost that has doubled from the $5.2 billion estimate PG&E provided just one year ago. Captive PG&E customers, who already face the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S., are on the hook for these costs. Even Californians served by other utilities will see their rates rise."

The escalating costs come amid safety concerns at Diablo Canyon, where two nearly 40-year-old embrittled reactors sit atop multiple earthquake faults. 

As PG&E continues to profit, California ratepayers are left to bear the burden of these skyrocketing costs. It’s imperative for lawmakers and regulators to scrutinize PG&E’s spending and protect the financial interests of Californians.

ADVANCE Act Guts Nuclear Oversight

The Senate just voted to pass the ADVANCE Act, which expedites regulatory processes for advanced nuclear reactors minimizing safety measures. 

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation along with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) understand the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s absence of oversight threatens the safety and security of the American public.

This dangerous legislation prioritizes the nuclear industry's financial health over public safety. UCS Ed Lyman warns, “It’s extremely disappointing that, without any meaningful debate, Congress erases 50 years of independent nuclear safety oversight by changing the NRC’s mission to not only protect public health and safety but also to protect the financial health of the industry and its investors. Just as lax regulation by the FAA—an agency already burdened by conflicts of interests—can lead to a catastrophic failure of an aircraft, a compromised NRC could lead to a catastrophic reactor meltdown impacting an entire region for many generations.”

The ADVANCE Act weakens safety and security oversight across the board, a longstanding nuclear industry goal. The change to the NRC’s mission effectively directs the agency to enforce only the bare minimum level of safety regulations at every facility it oversees across the United States.

It is now easier for public utilities to build these risky, experimental reactors in every neighborhood, sacrificing safety and security for the sake of industry profits. 

Our future depends on maintaining strong, independent oversight of nuclear energy and nuclear waste.

Spread the Word!

Please share this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join the SLF community to keep informed about critical issues related to nuclear safety, environmental health, and more.

Forward this newsletter or share the sign-up link below.



Together, let’s create a larger impact and drive meaningful change. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference!

Volunteer Needed!

Are you passionate about making a difference? The Samuel Lawrence Foundation needs dedicated volunteers to support our mission and various initiatives, including our upcoming symposium on Radioactive Waste at UCSD on July 24th.

By volunteering with us, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Network with international experts in various disciplines,
• Contribute to meaningful discussions,
• Play a crucial role in raising awareness about the critical issues facing our community and environment.

We have ongoing opportunities for volunteers to help with event coordination, registration, community outreach, research, and more. Your time and skills can help drive impactful change and promote a safer, healthier future for all.

If you're interested in making a difference and being part of a significant cause, please sign up here. Your time and effort can help drive impactful change and promote a safer, healthier future for all.

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Series on YouTube or Spotify, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and public health and wellness.

You make an impact when you support our work.

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