Guy Page reports that as a longtime observer of the activities surrounding the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, and questions the Cape Cod Bay Watch version of the conditions at Vermont Yankee (Video - New, Old Problems at Pilgrim, May 14). In an effort to shape public opinion against one of the best employers in Vermont and its leading manufacturer of emissions-free electricity, there has been both omission and mischaracterization of fact.
First, there is no fallout between the state of Vermont and Vermont Yankee management as the author suggests, only an unresolved disagreement, one of the few left remaining by the December 2013 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between the two parties. The MSA was praised as extremely financially generous to the state of Vermont, providing or committing tens of millions of dollars in direct payments. Even longtime Vermont Yankee critics said Entergy, having won its case against the state in two federal courtrooms, could have simultaneously closed its plant and its wallet. Instead, it took the high road of engagement and meaningful, ongoing support for its host communities and state. The MSA continues to pave the way for the safe, prompt, economic decommissioning of Vermont Yankee plant and restoration of its site to greenfield status. It is extremely unfortunate that CCBW would, knowingly or through its own lack of awareness, take advantage of western Massachusetts incomplete knowledge on this subject just to throw stones.
Second, far from prolonging decommissioning for the full 60 years permitted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Vermont Yankee has moved aggressively to complete the job as soon as possible within prudent boundaries of safety and economic viability. Months ahead of schedule, it published two extensive decommissioning blueprints.
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