Laser experiments at Livermore Lab could pose health, environmental threat

Experiments conducted with a new, giant laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory could pose a health and environmental threat to thousands of workers and nearby residents, a local watchdog group warns. Although lab officials say the experiments will be safe after a 10-year environmental review process, Ploughshares grantee Marylia Kelley of Tri-Valley CAREs said, "These experiments will generate radioactive emissions and radioactive waste.  So there is a valid environmental concern.” Christopher Paine of the Ploughshares-funded Natural Resources Defense Council also questioned the laser's capabilities, calling the Livermore laser a "disastrous diversion" and the quest for nuclear fusion a luxury unlikely to produce cheap electrical energy.