I believe that Vermonters have been hoodwinked by a few activists and politicians who mistakenly believe they must protect the citizens of Vermont from a hypothetical Vermont Yankee accident.
Their statements, appearing in letters and news articles, are riddled with untruths about how nuclear power works and unsupported personal attacks on the intelligence, honesty, and commitment of Vermont Yankee employees.
Vermont Yankee workers are all safety-conscious, professional people. The forefront of their work ethic has always been the health and safety of the public - including their own families. I find it ironic that some will believe politicians are more honest and informed than skilled employees with families living near the plant.
The “anti-everything” activists are urging the state of Vermont to punish any people, business, or philosophy that does not agree with their views. The tail is wagging the dog.
The anti-everythings believe they know what is right for everyone, and they refuse to consider the impact on the majority, who will suffer the most from the economic impact of Vermont Yankee closing.
Should the plant close, the lights will not go out, but Vermonters will pay more for imported power. Vermont will lose a reported $100 million annually in economic activity, plus $15 million annually in taxes and revenue paid by Entergy.
News flash: Electrical generation workers from out of state and Canada do not pay Vermont taxes, nor do they buy groceries, or gas, or eat at local restaurants. I would not want to be a small-business owner or own real estate in Windham County if 600 well-paid families are leaving. The ripple effect throughout the state could be devastating.
As far as the daily fear of a nuclear meltdown, if the “antis” are truly so fearful and lay awake nights in fear over Vermont Yankee, why stay? If I truly believed I lived near a dangerous business, I would not jeopardize my family's health. I would relocate.
I believe many antis are not as fearful of nuclear power as they advertise, but they use fear as an effective, useful tool.
They are pretty selective. Where is the same level of fear over daily emissions from coal and gas plants, which gradually kill people and nature, and hydro dam failure in case of a flood (which could and has happened)?
It is interesting to note, from news accounts, that many Vermont Yankee protesters are not Vermont residents, but they have no problem dictating policy to Vermonters.
Why is it okay for Vermont to purchase nuclear electric power from another nuclear plant such as Seabrook? Does the term “not in my backyard” sound familiar?
With the worst conceivable accident happening in Japan, did hundreds die from acute radiation? No. I have heard of none. And we can all agree the Connecticut River is safe from a tsunami.
As for reliability, Vermont Yankee has consistently remained online more than 90 percent of the time. The recent flooding and earthquake had no negative effect. The same could not be said for hydro or solar power.
I am not against nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal, coal, or natural gas. This country is large and diverse enough to support and responsibly use all sources of power.
But until some of these alternative green-energy sources become technologically and economically viable, we cannot abandon what works today and, by the way, what is also carbon-free today.
I am a proud Vermont Yankee employee and should Vermont Yankee close, leaving the area would be difficult, since I would miss good friends and not be able to see my grandchildren as often, but my career and lifestyle would go on.
It is the people remaining in Vermont who would have to deal with the aftermath and be the losers in this political theater titled “Vermont Yankee”
It would take a lot of maple syrup, cheese, and skiers to make up the loss of payroll, taxes, and reliable low-cost electricity.
Good luck.