Resolution Recognizing the 25th Anniversary

Many thanks to resolution sponsor Ward 5 Councilmember Reuben Snipper: one of the NFTPC's first committee members!

Introduced by: Councilmember Snipper
CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND RESOLUTION 2008-88

Resolution Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Adoption of the Takoma Park Nuclear-Free Zone Act and Declaring December 7-13, 2008 as Nuclear-Free Zone Week

WHEREAS, renewed production of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, with their immense drain on the world's resources, presents humanity and all of creation with a magnified specter of nuclear holocaust and attendant epidemic of cancer incidence; and

WHEREAS, the production of nuclear energy creates highly radioactive nuclear waste whose transportation, along with the transportation of other nuclear materials, further increases the risks to public safety; and

WHEREAS, there is no adequate method of protecting Takoma Park residents and their neighbors from either a nuclear attack or transport accident; and

WHEREAS, the failure of nations to agree on sustainable treaties for curtailing nuclear proliferation makes it necessary for people themselves and for their local representatives to assert and reassert their dedication to ending threats such as these; and

WHEREAS, the United States, as the leading producer of nuclear weapons, is an ideal place to begin; and

WHEREAS, popular resolve has proven able to reduce the threat of nuclear disaster; and

WHEREAS, the gift of public wealth to the nuclear industry, and the nuclear-polluted water, air and land that have resulted, limit the wealth we can use for generating a multitude of jobs in producing and distributing sustainable energy choices, in providing health care for all, and the overall enhancement of the quality of our lives; and

WHEREAS, on December 12, 1983, Takoma Park, in light of the hugely popular nuclear-free movement, joined with some 370 city councils, 71 county councils, 446 town meetings and 150 national and international organizations in endorsing the Nuclear Freeze Resolution, establishing itself as a nuclear-free zone; and

WHEREAS, in the intervening years, as governments have fallen and treaties have been scrapped, much of this enthusiasm has been dissipated; and

WHEREAS, well aware that the issues continue, the City of Takoma Park has sustained its commitment to an environment and a future free from toxic nuclear threats; and

WHEREAS, the City of Takoma Park Nuclear-Free Zone Act establishes the City as a nuclear-free zone in that work on nuclear weapons is prohibited and that harmful exposure to high-level nuclear waste is limited within the City limits; and

WHEREAS, the Act prohibits the production of nuclear weapons in the City, as well as facilities, equipment, components, supplies or substances used for the production of nuclear weapons; and

WHEREAS, the City has adopted a socially responsible investment policy as required by the Act, specifically addressing any investments the City may have or may plan to have in industries and institutions which are knowingly and intentionally engaged in the production of nuclear weapons; and

WHEREAS, the Act mandates that the City and its officials, employees or agents may not knowingly and intentionally grant any award, contract, purchase order, or lease, directly or indirectly, to any nuclear weapons producer.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, calls upon its residents and all civic and educational organizations to observe the week of December 7-13, 2008 as Nuclear-Free Zone Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the nuclear-free zone.

Adopted this 24th day of November, 2008.

Online here (pdf): City Council resolution recognizing the anniversary and declaring the Week of December 7-13, 2008 at Nuclear-Free Zone Week.