The Duane Arnold Energy Center was re-licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in December 2010, extending its operating license for 20 years to 2034. After the 2020 derecho damaged the plant, they didn’t reopen, and began the process of de-commissioning with intent to shut down. When a large contract with Google Energy, to purchase almost all of the electricity, was offered, NextEra Energy reversed course and began work to resume operations in 2029.

Physicians for Social Responsibility filed a petition to the NRC for leave to intervene in the Duane Arnold Energy Center license amendment proceeding under which they propose to resume operations. I made the following declaration in support of the petition:

Paul Deaton, being first duly sworn on oath, states as follows:

1. My name is Paul Deaton. I am an adult citizen of the State of Iowa. I also am a member of
   Physicians for Social Responsibility Iowa, the Petitioner in this proceeding.
2. My residence is located at (address removed), which is located 24.1 miles from the Duane Arnold Energy Center.
3. I am aware that NextEra Energy Duane Arnold proposes to return the Duane Arnold Energy
   Center, which is now in decommissioning status, to operational status. I am opposed to this action for several reasons.
4. Based on my study and research of nuclear issues, I have knowledge of the concerns over safety, and the potential damage to public health and the environment from nuclear power. I know that Joseph
   Mangano, an expert in public health, has studied the health impacts from the Duane Arnold Energy Center. Mr. Mangano found a correlation between higher rates of cancer and birth defects during the years that Duane Arnold was operating, compared to the years before operation and since Duane Arnold was shut down in 2020. I also know that Harvard University’s T.H. Chang School of Public Health conducted two recent comprehensive studies that showed a higher rate of various kinds of cancers in persons living near nuclear plants.
5. I also know that to date no nuclear plant has been successfully restarted after being in decommissioning status. Based on the experience of the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan, which has been unable to restart after many months, even after approval from the NRC, I am not confident that Duane Arnold can be successfully restarted. Based on these facts, I am concerned for my health and safety if Duane Arnold is allowed to restart.
6. I am afraid that if Duane Arnold is restored to operability there could be incidents or accidents
   resulting in radiation releases. I also am concerned about the prospect of ongoing releases of radiation
   from an operating Duane Arnold plant. I could suffer irreparable damage to my health as well as to real and personal property located at my residence.
7. I request leave to intervene in this proceeding and to have my interests advanced and represented by Physicians for Social Responsibility Iowa, a nonprofit organization that promotes public health and opposes actions that endanger public health, such as nuclear power. I am a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility Iowa. My interests will not be adequately represented without my legal intervention and without the opportunity of Physicians for Social Responsibility Iowa to participate as a full party in this proceeding on my behalf.
8. I certify, subject to the penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my
   knowledge and belief.

I don’t recall a discussion of the risks of cancer and birth defects in the time since Duane Arnold’s license was extended. This new information merits consideration and that is why I took this action.