What's Happening?
Two faculty members from The University of New Mexico (UNM), Carl Willis and Myrriah Gómez, were featured in a USA Today documentary titled 'Trust or security? The hidden cost of nuclear deterrence' and an accompanying news story. The documentary explores
the impact of the Federal government's efforts to modernize its nuclear stockpile by increasing plutonium pit production at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Carl Willis, a professor of practice in Nuclear Engineering, showcased UNM's small nuclear reactor and emphasized the importance of rigorous science in understanding the health and environmental impacts of nuclear activities. Myrriah Gómez, an associate professor in the Honors College, provided historical context on how the Manhattan Project impacted local Indigenous and Spanish-speaking populations, noting that her own grandfather, a laborer at the site, later died of cancer.
Why It's Important?
This documentary highlights the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards nuclear energy and weapons in New Mexico, a state deeply intertwined with the nuclear industry's history. The discussion of increased plutonium pit production at Los Alamos raises concerns about potential health and environmental risks for local communities, particularly those historically affected by nuclear activities. The perspectives shared by UNM faculty underscore the need for transparent scientific inquiry and historical accountability. The documentary's focus on the 'hidden cost of nuclear deterrence' suggests a critical examination of national security priorities versus local community well-being, a tension that has significant implications for public policy and environmental justice in the U.S.
What's Next?
The documentary and accompanying news story are likely to fuel ongoing discussions and debates about the future of nuclear weapons production and waste management in New Mexico and across the U.S. Advocacy groups like the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium and Nuclear Watch New Mexico, whose representatives were also featured, will likely continue to press for greater accountability and transparency from the Federal government. The insights from UNM faculty could inform public understanding and policy decisions regarding nuclear technology, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both national security and the health and safety of affected communities. The film's availability on YouTube and USAToday.com ensures broad public access to these critical perspectives.
Beyond the Headlines
The narrative presented in the documentary delves into the profound ethical and social implications of the U.S. nuclear legacy. Myrriah Gómez's historical account of the Manhattan Project's impact on Indigenous and Spanish-speaking communities reveals how language barriers and lack of informed consent contributed to disproportionate harm. This raises critical questions about environmental racism and the long-term intergenerational effects of nuclear activities on marginalized populations. The ingrained presence of nuclear weapons in New Mexico's culture, due to the national laboratories, illustrates how scientific and military endeavors can shape regional identity and economy, while simultaneously creating enduring health and environmental challenges. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind national security initiatives.
