Robert Alvarez, a self-taught expert on nuclear power and waste management, passed away on July 1 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 76. His daughter, Amber Alvarez Torgerson, reported that he died from complications related to Parkinson's disease in an assisted living facility.
Alvarez began his career as a legislative aide for Senator James Abourezk in the mid-1970s, focusing on American Indian affairs. His involvement in nuclear issues was sparked after meeting Navajos affected by uranium mining, leading him to draft a bill aimed at extending federal medical coverage to nuclear workers, which ultimately failed to gain traction due to political pressures.
Following the setback, Alvarez joined the Environmental Policy Institute and uncovered significant lapses in federal oversight of the nuclear weapons industry. He highlighted issues such as leaking storage containers and the contamination of water sources, describing a system lacking accountability.
In 1986, Alvarez joined Senator John Glenn’s staff, where he worked on legislation to compensate individuals exposed to radiation. His efforts included exposing safety failures at the Savannah River Plant through collaboration with media outlets, contributing to a broader understanding of the health risks associated with nuclear weapons production.
Alvarez served as a senior advisor in the Department of Energy under President Bill Clinton, advocating for greater transparency in nuclear waste management. He participated in inspections of North Korean reactor sites as part of negotiations concerning the country’s nuclear program.
Born on September 18, 1948, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Alvarez grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He pursued music theory at Youngstown State University before joining the Peace Corps and later serving as a medic in the Army. He became involved in activism after moving to Washington, D.C., in 1973, where he met his wife, Kitty Tucker, who also dedicated her career to public interest law.
After leaving government in 1999, Alvarez continued his work in the nonprofit sector, contributing to various journals and think tanks focused on nuclear issues. He is remembered for his commitment to advocating for individuals affected by nuclear industry practices and for his dedication to addressing corporate and governmental accountability.
Alvarez is survived by his daughters Amber and Kerry, as well as two grandchildren. His wife, Kitty Tucker, passed away in 2019.