The federal government accidentally released a “highly confidential” report detailing information about hundreds of civilian nuclear sites and programs, as well as maps showing where stockpiles of nuclear fuel is stored.  And you thought you took some heat after you left your ultimate frisbee teams playbook on the office copy machine; that was nothing compared to the embarrassment they’re likely feeling around the Government Printing Office.  Fortunately most experts, including President Obama, are reassuring us that any dangers from the leak are minimal, as most of the information was already public.  So, while it doesn’t sound like we have to worry about the papers falling into the wrong hands, you still have to wonder how such a bumble of important information could have so easily slipped out.  I know the Obama administration is aiming to run a more transparent government, but I don’t think this is what they had in mind.

The papers were apparently compiled for the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of a plan to open U.S. facilities to stricter inspections, in hopes of encouraging other countries to do the same.  That sounds well and good, I just hope that they’re right in saying there is no serious risks posed by the release.  The document did not release any information about the location of nuclear weapons or other military secrets.  But, perhaps now is a time to once again consider the wisdom of classifying nuclear power as an “alternative” energy source.  There certainly wouldn’t be as much concern if information was released about the location of wind power plants.  Although we probably don’t need to advertise those either.

Photo: lungstruck’s flickr photostream (creative commons)