Mile High Fueled by Airport Controversy

Controversial Plans for Nuclear Energy at Denver International Airport Spark Outcry

Plans by one of America's busiest airports to explore the use of nuclear energy have ignited a fierce public reaction. Denver International Airport, located in Colorado, recently announced its intention to investigate the feasibility of nuclear power as a long-term energy solution. The announcement has drawn immediate backlash from local residents and officials who feel they were not adequately consulted about the proposal.

The airport had initially planned to invest up to $1.25 million for a six to 12-month study to assess whether nuclear power could be viable for the facility. The study would have examined potential risks, costs, and other factors. However, due to the strong community response, the plans are now on hold while the city and airport engage with constituents.

Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, representing District 11, expressed concern over the lack of communication with her constituents. She emphasized that the issue was never discussed with the community, and many residents have serious concerns about safety and the handling of nuclear waste. "People don't want something that produces radioactive waste — something we currently don't have a way to even store — in a community of color," she said.

Gilmore criticized the airport’s approach as rushed and poorly thought out. She pointed out that the proposed nuclear reactor is a relatively new technology and would be located near two of the most racially diverse populations in the city and county. "This is brand new technology that nobody really knows long-term issues with," she added. "That’s irresponsible."

Residents’ concerns include the potential health risks associated with nuclear power, such as increased cancer risk, air and noise pollution, and the presence of radioactive chemicals. They also worry about the impact on their neighborhoods, especially for families who have invested in single-family homes. "If you're raising your kids in a single neighborhood where you bought a single-family home and that is your greatest asset of your family, do you want your grandparents' home located next to a small nuclear reactor?" Gilmore asked.

She argued that the airport's plan appears to have already been decided before the study began. "The concerns of the community would be one page of that study. The rest of the study would be saying exactly how this is a great idea," she said. "It doesn’t jive with Denver's values."

Denver International Airport is the third busiest in the United States and the sixth worldwide, handling 80 million passengers annually. The city aims to become more sustainable and achieve energy independence, with the goal of becoming the "greenest airport in the world." Mayor Mike Johnston stated that the airport must explore innovative solutions to meet the demands of a growing population and changing climate.

Nuclear power is gaining attention as a low-emission energy source. Small modular reactors, which can be expanded as energy demand increases, offer a smaller carbon footprint compared to larger reactors. However, these technologies are still in development in the U.S., and it may take up to a decade before they become operational.

Another challenge is the storage of nuclear waste. Currently, the U.S. lacks a national disposal site, meaning waste is stored on-site. Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains the world's largest producer of nuclear power, accounting for roughly 30% of global output.

The Trump administration had set a target to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050. Most existing reactors are located on the eastern side of the country. As the debate over nuclear energy continues, the question remains whether communities like Denver are ready to embrace this controversial technology.