Above Ground Nuclear Detonations from the 1950s & 60s

The above-ground detonations from the 1950s & 60s have caused many of our people to have thyroid cancer and they cannot have it taken care of by the Indian Health Service. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) needs to be expanded to include all people affected by the above-ground detonations. We are encouraging everyone to complete the attached form letters to the South Dakota Congressional delegation.

Better yet, make additional copies and have your friends and relatives also send them in. What to do: put your address at the top, the date, and sign the letters after “Sincerely.” Then, don’t forget to mail them directly to the Senators or Congresswoman. Thank you.

Defenders of the Black Hills
PO Box 2003, Rapid City, SD 57709
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Sample Letter: Please consider sending to the South Dakota Congressional delegates:

Dear ______________,

Many people living in the state of South Dakota have been affected by the fallout from the detonations of nuclear bombs at the Nevada Test Site, and the radioactive pollution from abandoned uranium mines and prospects in our region. You have an opportunity to help those that were harmed by supporting the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

Hearings need to be held in the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the victims who should be covered by RECA to insure that they receive adequate medical monitoring and treatment. Those hearings should also include those harmed by the more than 1,000 abandoned uranium mines and prospects in the four state region of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota.

Senator, as cancer is the second leading cause of death in South Dakota, it is time to stop the cause and to help alleviate the suffering of your constituents. It would be even better if you took the lead on this effort to show the people of South Dakota and the United States that you truly care for the health of the people. We look to you for that leadership.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Addresses of South Dakota Congressional delegates:

Senator Tim Johnson
136 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-4103

Senator John Thune
United States Senate SR-383
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Stephanie Herseth
331 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515