On the muggy night of June 24, upwards of 150 people packed the theater at The Big Picture to hear from four panelists on the safety and future of Vermont Yankee. But the real meat of the evening was the series of questions from the public for the panelists. The community lined up to take the mic:
"Is there a state plan to create renewable alternatives?"
"Correct me if I am incorrect, but wasn't Vermont Yankee one of many plants? What happened to those?"
"If the Legislature were to vote now on whether to extend Vermont Yankee's license, how would you vote."
"What can be done to bring this issue to a voter referendum?"
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MOST IMPORTANT
Sustainable and renewable energy is "the most important issue for the state," said Carol Hosford at the Big Picture on June 24. Janii Peterson, a member of the Mad River Localovores, agreed that, "It's better to go local and reduce transportation on food. Investments in wind power are better for the environment and the economy."
This forum was held on the topic of a possible 20-year extension for Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Panelists included Adam Greshin, state representative for Warren, Waitsfield and Fayston; James Moore, Vermont Public Interest Research Group; Nancy Chickering, a physician and member of Physicians for Social Responsibility; Arnie Gundersen, a NVC engineer; and Lawrence Mott, the managing director of New Generation Partners.
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ENERGY SUPPLY
By 2018, it is likely that a sustainable energy mix would compensate for the electricity produced by Vermont Yankee, according to Lawrence Mott. He showed potential statistics for the breakdown of energy production: wind energy could account for 20 percent; biogas, 8 percent; solar power, 2 percent; and hydropower, 40 percent. Right now, Vermont Yankee is responsible for one-third of Vermont's energy supply.
Looking ahead, there is potential to integrate a strong, sustainable, self-reliant system which provides the Vermont community with clean, efficient energy. James Moore, the clean energy advocate, believes that, "If you dare to dream it, it can happen." He drew connections between the current economic situation and an "irresponsible outlook on energy."
Nuclear power, as Dr. Nancy Chickering put it, "is the most dangerous substance on earth." For many, the idea of nuclear power and waste evokes images of deformed sci-fi characters and total obliteration, like the destruction at Hiroshima. Chickering worked with victims of Hiroshima, and warns of the reality of the health consequences of nuclear accidents.
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HEALTH RISKS
She is concerned with the health risks posed to Vermonters by the Yankee nuclear power plant. Chickering warned, "If there was an incident with the cooling towers and the nuclear waste were to leak, residents in Vermont would be forced to abandon their homes. There is no question about that fact."
Arnold Gundersen, worked as an engineer for the plant, which was built in 1972. Many nuclear power facilities of that era have since closed down. Vermont Yankee is one of two from that time still in operation. Gundersen provided an extensive list detailing the conditions of the facility, including architectural flaws and recent leaks.
There are many potential dangers associated with the Vermont Yankee plant, Gunderson asserted. For example, radioactive leakage could poison the Connecticut River because of the plant's location. The plant is also in a residential area, a quarter of a mile from an elementary school. Other potential dangers include the dilapidation of the plant due to natural disasters. Gunderson explained, "The plant can't withstand earthquakes." Inside of the structure there is a nuclear fuel pool which lacks proper inspection.
LEGALITIES
Representative Adam Greshin focused on legalities. He explained two possible ways the Legislature could act regarding Vermont Yankee: by vote or by joint committee. Greshin explained that the more efficient process would be to bring the issue to the joint committee. Ultimately, he said, the decision must be passed by the House and Senate.
As community members of The Valley took the microphone, it become increasingly clear that people are interested in alternative solutions to nuclear power. This is the people's choice, Moore reminded the crowd. "It's about what we, the people, want for the future of Vermont."
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