Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Congressional Hearings Transcript

11
with the wrong report. He came up with a report that his superiors
did not Uke and his subvention was immediately cut off.
Now Dr. Goffman has estimated that Chernobyl will result in
320,000 fatal, and 320,000 nonfatal cancers. I do not think there is
anybody in the country that would question the experience, the
reputation of Dr. Goffman.
I am concerned today that we will be told there is no problem
and that this accident has little relevance to our Nation and its nuclear
program. Such a response will not be adequate.
We do not have to point to the problems we experienced with the
space shuttle. We have a very serious problem of technology right
before this committee. Unless agency and industry officials are
doing all that they should be doing to prevent a repeat of this tragedy,
it will be up to this committee and Congress to step in and
take action.
We can turn our eyes away from the fact, we can close our ears,
but the truth is, a problem exists unless those who are charged
with the responsibility by our Government do all that they should
be doing.
This committee has a responsibility to ensure that public health
and safety is protected. We cannot afford to shirk our duty in this
instance.
I am looking forward to learning about the Chernobyl accident,
and I also hope the Government and industry officials will learn
the lessons of Chernobyl and quickly undertake new initiatives to
improve safety, openness and emergency planning at commercial
and Federal facilities.
Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Senator Metzenbaum follows:]