nuclear-news

Vermont the only US State that can say No to nuclear plants

“It puzzles me that more states don’t take control into their own hands about aging nuclear power plants,”

Vermont’s unique nuclear-power veto – Boston.com, By Alan Wirzbicki 23 march 11,  Who has the final word on regulating nuclear power plants?In 49 states, it’s the federal government,  acting through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. At the moment, Vermont is the lone exception.

As the result of a deal in 2002 and subsequent legislation in 2006, the state Legislature has the authority to block the Vermont Yankee plant from staying in operation past 2012, when its license runs out.
The question is especially relevant now, amid growing concerns about nuclear power following the Japanese nuclear crisis and after the NRC granted Vermont Yankee a license extension on Monday, giving the plant the federal government’s blessing to operate another 20 years. The Vermont legislature, after a series of leaks at the plant, has already voted against allowing it to remain open.

Letting each state have a veto over energy policy seems potentially fraught with problems — but Peter E. Shumlin, Vermont ‘s governor, is an unabashed fan and believes more states should follow Vermont’s lead.

“It puzzles me that more states don’t take control into their own hands about aging plants,” Shumlin said in a telephone interview yesterday. “You all have the same rights we have in Vermont.”

Vermont’s unique nuclear-power veto – The Angle – Boston.com

March 24, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, USA