Vermont Yanks the Rug Out From Under its Nuclear Future
Jeff Witt /
In a highly publicized decision last week, the Vermont Senate voted to potentially close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, the state’s only nuclear plant. The non-binding vote marked the culmination of a year-long debate in Vermont as to whether the state should renew the operating license of Vermont Yankee, a 37-year old plant that is seeking a 20-year operating extension. Unfortunately, this decision was more about perception than fact.
The tide had been turning against Vermont Yankee as news emerged that the plant had been leaking tritium, a weakly radioactive hydrogen isotope produced in the course of operating a nuclear power reactor, from underground pipes. The plant owner’s public relations effort in response to the leaks was inadequate and disorganized. Indeed, they had originally stated last year before the leak that the underground pipes did not exist. Regardless of intent, much of the public felt misled, which created opposition to the relicensing effort.
When it comes to nuclear energy, fact is one thing and perception is another. The fact of the tritium leak is that it was minor in scope and did not threaten public health or safety. Vermont Yankee has been safely operated for over 37 years, and officials from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission informed Vermont lawmakers that there is no reason to close the plant. (more…)