(Source: Hobbs News-Sun, July 20, 2018. Brother Scott Palmer, Chairman of the BLET’s Oregon State Legislative Board, is also Assistant Coordinator of the BLET Safety Task Force.)
HOBBS, N.M. — When it’s about radioactivity or nuclear power, it’s going to be controversial. Thursday’s meeting of the New Mexico Legislature’s interim Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee in Hobbs was no exception when rail transportation of spent nuclear fuel took center stage before an audience of several dozen. Scott Palmer, Oregon-based nuclear policy analyst for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, testified the radioactive materials handling training for railroad workers is non-existent beyond recognizing the radiation placard. After discussing possible events that could cause exposure, Palmer said, “Keep in mind, our members are not trained to protect themselves from exposure. … As far as I’m concerned, the railroads are not prepared to ship these things to you.”
Full story: www.currentargus.com