PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Janet Michel Coalition for a Healthy Environment), 423/966-5918

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 24, 1999

SUBJECT: OAK RIDGE ILL WORKERS RESPOND TO PROPOSED COMPENSATION LEGISLATION

Members of the Coalition for a Healthy Environment (CHE) have met and discussed the proposed legislation for compensation for less than 1% of potentially affected DOE and contractor workers at Oak Ridge, Paducah, and those with Beryllium disease.

We are grateful that our elected representatives have finally gotten the message that toxins at DOE facilities have hurt people. We hope they will see that this is a starting point for fixing a half-century of health problems that have been denied, suppressed, and covered up. We are disappointed that the current proposed legislation falls woefully short of addressing the real health and safety problems and the long-standing health impacts at all DOE sites. It is too

little money with too severe restrictions for taking that money. While it is too little, it is not too late to fix the shortcomings in the proposed legislation.

CHE formed a committee to carefully analyze all proposed legislation and will recommend additional legislation in the near future. CHE will work with all interested parties to find long-term solutions which should include comprehensive medical testing by a medical team completely

independent of DOE, the creation of a panel that would assess the real medical and financial costs of the affected people, and an open trust fund that would humanely compensate people for their injuries on an ongoing basis, depending on their injury.

The current proposal ignores too many who have been potentially affected by DOE's activities and it gives nuclear workers unequal rights to benefits, health care, due process, a fair appellate process, and an "interim presumption" of illness based upon medical science.

There is major dissatisfaction with the piece meal approach to the various compensation schemes. This has not worked with past compensation schemes for downwinders and uranium miners.

Is this really justice or compensation for "just us"? This limited approach can only be seen for what it is: a shortsighted plan, which will work to divide and conquer DOE's victims. We would like to see a victims' roundtable for all affected people to develop a comprehensive remedy that

balances resources.

CHE strongly believes that the federal government must allow compensation for ALL AFFECTED DOE and contractor employees and residents near DOE facilities. There are similar illnesses found at all DOE sites and downwind and downstream due to the DOE's lying about the level of risk from their activities and the degree of harm to health and the environment.

Although current litigation options are not structured to benefit those harmed, many are reluctant to abandon that remedy if they accept a lump sum award. The average doctor cannot adequately diagnose much less treat illnesses that can result from long-term exposures to radiation, heavy

metals, and hazardous chemicals. Predicting future illness is next to impossible and eliminating options now is not prudent. It is unacceptable to give up future rights to sue for injuries that are not manifest now. It is irresponsible to accept money now when injuries may manifest in the

future. Ironically, DOE retains the right to sue responsible third parties to recover costs.

The proposed $100,000 amount will not adequately replace lost wages or cover present and future medical bills. It is common knowledge that open-heart and other surgeries and cancer treatments can quickly escalate beyond $100,000. If the Federal government thought $5 trillion (Atomic Audit: The Costs and Consequences of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Since 1940, Stephen Schwartz, Editor) was an appropriate amount to spend on nuclear energy, energy research, and the Cold War, it should be prepared to compensate those who have given their health and lives. The $5 trillion amount does even include the cost of clean up which is estimated to be at

least $6 billion.

We do not want to be disrespected by the people who were not counting beans while they built bombs. Why are they counting now when it comes to the health of its citizens? People were never informed and given a choice on whether to live and work in or near hazardous conditions. Money can never adequately replace the life lost due to disability and premature death.

Medical care is not an option but a necessity. DOE has the moral obligation to provide lifetime medical care to those who unknowingly sacrificed their health and lives.

DOE is still the gatekeeper in deciding who will be compensated and in establishing a source of revenue for compensation. DOE also still maintains a strong and expensive legal support for fighting all cases of workplace and downwinder injuries.

In many cases the medical science is not present to adequately diagnose and treat the illnesses that are possible from long-term exposures to radiation, metals, and hazardous chemicals.

DOE employees and contractors should not be the sole decision-makers for compensation. The Cold War veterans deserve no less than a fair and honest evaluation with no conflicts of interest.

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