CLF Statement on Vermont Yankee

CONTACT:
Karen Wood, CLF, (617) 850-1722
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conservation Law Foundation issued the following statement in response to today’s decision by the Vermont state senate not to renew Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant’s license beyond 2012:

Montpelier, VT  February 24, 2010 — “We commend the Senate for recognizing that Vermont Yankee has reached the end of its useful life,” said Chris Kilian, vice president and director of Conservation Law Foundation’s Vermont Advocacy Center. “However, the vote cannot amount to a pass for Entergy to continue to mislead and endanger public safety for another two years. We urge the PSB to call for an immediate shutdown of Vermont Yankee until the many questions about the plant’s safety and reliability are answered. Entergy’s campaign to take Vermont’s eye off the ball with a promise of cheap power is a breach of the public trust. Vermont can meet its energy needs more cost effectively and more safely through energy efficiency and clean renewable sources like hydro, wind and solar. We don’t need Vermont Yankee’s dirty power at any price, and we shouldn’t be willing to trade our families’ safety for it.”

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.