White House Moves to Build New Generation of Nuclear Weapons

Interview with Lisbeth Gronlund, co-director and senior scientist, with the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

The Bush administration is preparing to propose production of the nation's first new nuclear warheads in almost 20 years. It would replace, not add to, the number of the aging warheads already in the US arsenal, at a cost of more than $100 billion. Called the Reliable Replacement Warhead, perhaps its most unique feature is that it would combine an older, tested design with a new design that has not yet undergone testing.

Advocates of the project at the Department of Energy, or DOE, say the new design will produce warheads that are more reliable and more secure from accidental detonation or access by terrorists. Opponents say the U.S. may have to end its moratorium on underground testing to insure the new warhead is operational. Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Lisbeth Gronlund, co-director and senior scientist with the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. She believes there is no need for a new generation of nuclear warheads and maintains that the existing weapons are still potent, and have adequate security.

Contact the Union of Concerned Scientists at (617) 547-5552 or visit their www.ucsusa.org

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