[NukeNet] The Professor and the Nukes

[Karen Orr]

June 6, 2007


  The Hot Passion of Robert Lamb


  The Professor and the Nukes

By CORPORATE CRIME REPORTER

Who is professor Robert Boyden Lamb?

And why does he care so deeply about nuclear power?

On May 25, 2007, USA Today published a letter from Robert Boyden Lamb, a 
professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.

In the letter, Professor Lamb says "we'll have to make big investments 
in new nuclear plants in the future--and that will take a sustained 
commitment over more than one political cycle."

He says "the American public needs to get behind the nuclear power 
movement now."

Professor Lamb says nothing of the many risks of nuclear power.

He says nothing of the massive corporate welfare needed to make nuclear 
power financially viable.

Lamb has written similar letters to the Washington Times (June 20, 
2006), The Hill (June 13, 2006), Business Week (May 14, 2001).

In all the letters, he identifies himself only as a professor at NYU's 
Stern School of Business.

Why is Professor Lamb so interested in making sure the American public 
"gets behind the nuclear power movement now"?

We wrote him and asked him whether he had any ties to the nuclear industry.

And behold, Professor Lamb wrote back.

He said in the past he was an advisor to the New York Power Authority 
and something called the Nuclear Decommissioning Group.

"I am at present working with public power and private power experts in 
different nations," Professor Lamb wrote.

Hmm.

Well, are you currently consulting with the nuclear power industry?

No answer.

So, we write to the public affairs office at the NYU Stern School of 
Business.

We were wondering--is Professor Lamb consulting with the nuclear industry?

NYU Lisette Coviello writes back.

"Professor Lamb does indeed consult with nuclear power industry related 
entities but he is swamped providing expert witness testimony for a few 
litigation cases, and therefore won't be able to speak to you today," 
Ms. Coviello writes. "He apologizes for not responding earlier."

Okay, which entities does he consult for?

Well, again, this is a busy time of the year for him. But will ask him.

Deadline approaches.

Has he answered yet?

"Nope, he hasn't responded to me yet," Ms. Coviello writes back. "I will 
let you know if he does."

There is a political boomlet in the air for nuclear power.

Much of it is driven by big bucks seeking to overcome overwhelming 
public opposition.

Much of it originates from sources that are anything but disinterested.

At the least we should know where people are coming from.

NYU Stern School of Business should demand that Professor Lamb 
publically reveal all his ties to the nuclear industry.

And that he stop writing promotional pieces for the industry without 
first disclosing his nuclear industry connections.

Corporate Crime Reporter is located in Washington, DC. They can be 
reached through their website <http://www.corporatecrimereporter.com/>.

Counterpunch
http://www.counterpunch.org/ccr06062007.html

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