That's why Vermont pays nothing into a regional, 10-state "carbon cap
and trade" program but receives over $3 million annually from
fossil-fuel dependent states. Even the hardiest opponent of Vermont
Yankee must admit that renewable power and efficiency cannot
immediately replace the 270 megawatts Vermont Yankee provides to
Vermont. Where will we turn? Answer: The New England "spot market,"
powered mostly by fossil-fuel plants. Saying no to Vermont Yankee means
saying yes to fossil fuels. Wishing otherwise will not make it so.
Like all commodities, the cost for New England "spot market"
electricity rises and falls. On annual average it costs far more than
Vermont Yankee. So not only would closing Yankee pollute the air and
warm the planet, it would raise power rates. Therefore I commend
farsighted legislators who would keep Vermont Yankee online, thus
giving emerging alternative power technologies time to mature into
viable, long-term power providers.
Ward Smyth
Fayston
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