The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Progress Energy" ...
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Fire Hazard: Bush Leaves Nuclear Plants at Risk
Cusac's investigation looks into fire safety protections at several U.S. nuclear plants, as well as the Bush administration's decision to make fire safety a lax issue. The article points out the fact that this decrease in fire protection comes at the point when Al Qaeda's interests are in targeting unidentified nuclear power plants. From the IRE questionnaire: "This article discovered that the reason the Bush Administration was making such a move was because many plants were already in violation of the law and because the nuclear industry threatened widespread rebellion if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission tried to enforce the law."
Tags: fire safety protections; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Shearon Harris; Progress Energy
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Prodigal Sun
Solar energy was once a promising alternative to fossil fuel. Once the Regan Administration got into power this progress was erased. Solar power was predicted to meet 28 percent of the nation's power by 2000. This is the story of how it went backwards.
Tags: environment; solar power
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Public Power: A Way Out of California Crisis
The Progressive looks at the deregulation of the energy sector in California, that has caused blackouts and soaring electricity bills. The report examines the possible solutions to the energy crisis. It details the negative effects of the so-called split system, under which "one group of companies generates business; the other group buys power and delivers it." The story then describes the resulting paradox: "...While one arm of each corporation suffered, another posted record profits." The investigation depicts the battle on the "bailout that California has virtually promised to the utilities," and shows how state legislature continues to back the interests of the utility lobby, while "taxpayers are just throwing their money down the drain." The reporter also looks at some little-noticed consequences of the deregulation law - "a near-collapse of energy conservation programs" and "deterioration of environmental regulations."
Tags: energy; nuclear power; power plants; Edison; Pacific Gas & Electric
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Nuclear spoons
The Department of Energy has a problem: what to do with millions of tons of radioactive metal. Progressive finds that the DEO plans to let scrap companies collect the medal, try to take the radioactivity out and sell the metal to foundries. Ultimately, the metal could be used for everyday household products: pots, pans, forks, spoons, even your eyeglasses.
Tags: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Association of Radioactive Metal Recyclers