Anti-nuclear groups in the United States facts for kids

More than 80 groups in the United States work to stop or limit nuclear power and nuclear weapons. These groups include well-known names like Greenpeace USA, the Sierra Club, and Public Citizen. They are made up of people who take direct action, environmentalists, health experts, and public interest advocates. Their main goal is to oppose either nuclear weapons, which are very powerful bombs, or nuclear power, which is electricity made from splitting atoms.

In 1992, the head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is a government agency that makes sure nuclear power plants are safe, said that these "watchdog groups" helped push his agency to improve safety rules. This shows how important these groups are in making sure things are done safely.

Some of the most important people in the anti-nuclear movement have even won Nobel Prizes, like Linus Pauling and Hermann Joseph Muller. These smart scientists were part of groups such as the Federation of American Scientists and the Committee for Nuclear Responsibility. Their involvement helped bring scientific knowledge and respect to the movement.

What are Anti-Nuclear Groups?

Anti-nuclear groups are organizations that work to prevent the use of nuclear energy or nuclear weapons. They believe that nuclear technology, while powerful, can also be very dangerous. Their main concerns often include the risk of accidents at nuclear power plants, the problem of storing nuclear waste safely for thousands of years, and the danger of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands.

Why Do People Join These Groups?

People join these groups for many reasons. Some are worried about the environment and how nuclear waste might harm it. Others are concerned about public health, fearing that radiation from nuclear accidents could make people sick. Many are also deeply concerned about world peace and the terrible destruction that nuclear weapons could cause. These groups often organize protests, share information, and work to change laws to make the world safer.

Important Voices in the Movement

Throughout history, many influential people have supported the anti-nuclear movement. Scientists, in particular, have played a big role. They understand the complex science behind nuclear technology and can explain its risks to the public and to lawmakers. When Nobel Prize winners like Linus Pauling speak out, people listen. Their knowledge helps to educate others and push for safer policies regarding nuclear power and weapons.

Specific Groups

Here are some of the many groups that have worked to make a difference in the anti-nuclear movement:

Images for kids

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  The logo for the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS), an anti-nuclear group.

See also

• Anti-nuclear protests in the United States
• Environmental movement in the United States
• List of anti-nuclear groups
• List of books about nuclear issues
• List of companies in the nuclear sector
• List of nuclear power groups
• Nuclear accidents in the United States
• Nuclear energy policy
• Nuclear power in the United States
• Nuclear safety in the U.S.
• Nuclear whistleblowers