New Mexico’s Nuclear Weapons Industry: A Growing Concern
In Española, New Mexico, a small town nestled above the Española valley on the Pajarito Plateau, lies Los Alamos National Laboratory. Once the birthplace of the atomic bomb, this historic site is now at the forefront of a booming nuclear weapons industry that is rapidly expanding to meet the nation’s demands. The implications of this growth are far-reaching, impacting the local community, the state, and the nation as a whole.
Training the Next Generation of Radiation Technicians
On a recent Wednesday, a group of ten students gathered at Northern New Mexico College to learn about the dangers of nuclear radiation. These students, ranging in age from nineteen to forty-four, were enrolled in a program designed to train radiation-control technicians to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Led by Air Force veteran Scott Braley, these students were being prepared for a career that carries significant responsibilities and risks. Braley’s dedication to teaching his students about the everyday dangers they may encounter is evident in his T-shirt slogan, “Radiate Positivity.”
The Impact of America’s Nuclear Arsenal Update
In recent years, Los Alamos has played a crucial role in the sweeping 1.7-trillion-dollar update of the country’s nuclear arsenal. This update comes at a time when international tensions are rising, with China expanding its atomic-weapons program and Russia adopting a more confrontational stance. The U.S. government’s insistence on the need for new warheads has led to a surge in hiring at Los Alamos, with the lab bringing on two thousand and seven hundred new employees in just two years.
The Human Side of Nuclear Weapons Production
Amidst this backdrop of geopolitical tensions and rapid industrial growth, it’s essential not to overlook the human impact of New Mexico’s growing nuclear weapons industry. Students like Stevannah Marquez, a dialysis technician from Chimayó, are seizing the opportunities presented by Los Alamos to secure better-paying jobs. For Marquez, this career shift isn’t just about financial gain; it’s a chance to make a difference and serve her nation.
As the nation’s nuclear arsenal continues to expand and international tensions escalate, the residents of Española and surrounding communities find themselves at the epicenter of a complex web of political, economic, and ethical considerations. The future of New Mexico’s nuclear weapons industry remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the impacts of this industry reach far beyond the borders of Los Alamos.
