U.S. Sen. Schumer rejects calls for immediate closure of Indian Point nuclear power plant
BUCHANAN, N.Y. >> A coalition of environmental groups is calling for the immediate closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, but U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says they first should demonstrate how to replace the energy produced by the facility.
The Sierra Club, Riverkeeper, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, Scenic Hudson and Physicians for Social responsibility on Wednesday said they are asking Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Stephen Burns to order suspension of plant operations until Indian Point’s safety is thoroughly reviewed by state and federal investigators.
The call follows a recent leak of radioactive water, the seventh operational incident in eight months, according to the groups.
Schumer says Indian Point should never have been built because of its proximity to a heavily populated area, but said he does not support the movement to shut it down immediately.
The senator said the plant provides some 25 percent of the power to the downstate area, making it invaluable.
“I have told some of the environmental people, if you can show me a plan to figure out a way to replace that electricity, fine, but if you can’t, it’s going to raise electricity rates 30 or 40 percent, which are high enough on average people and that’s not the way to go. In the meantime, I have emphasized very strong safety,” Schumer said.
The senator said there hasn’t been anyone tougher than himself on Indian Point’s owner, Entergy, over safety and incidents such as last week’s leak of low levels of radioactive water.
Entergy officials said after the water leaks that they did not pose any health or safety issues.
The Indian Point plant is about 45 miles south of Kingston City Hall, on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, and 24 miles north of the New York City boundary.
The Sierra Club, Riverkeeper, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, Scenic Hudson and Physicians for Social responsibility on Wednesday said they are asking Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Stephen Burns to order suspension of plant operations until Indian Point’s safety is thoroughly reviewed by state and federal investigators.
The call follows a recent leak of radioactive water, the seventh operational incident in eight months, according to the groups.
Schumer says Indian Point should never have been built because of its proximity to a heavily populated area, but said he does not support the movement to shut it down immediately.
The senator said the plant provides some 25 percent of the power to the downstate area, making it invaluable.
“I have told some of the environmental people, if you can show me a plan to figure out a way to replace that electricity, fine, but if you can’t, it’s going to raise electricity rates 30 or 40 percent, which are high enough on average people and that’s not the way to go. In the meantime, I have emphasized very strong safety,” Schumer said.
The senator said there hasn’t been anyone tougher than himself on Indian Point’s owner, Entergy, over safety and incidents such as last week’s leak of low levels of radioactive water.
Entergy officials said after the water leaks that they did not pose any health or safety issues.
The Indian Point plant is about 45 miles south of Kingston City Hall, on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, and 24 miles north of the New York City boundary.
