VERNON — I was sorely disappointed with CNN's Vermont Yankee coverage in the network's recent episode of CNN Presents. CNN made many factual errors. Their segment lacked any scientific pro-nuclear opinion and failed to provide balanced reporting.
CNN reporter Randi Kaye stated that a majority of Vermonters wanted VY closed, as she stood in front of graffiti in downtown Brattleboro. Last year, Vermont State Senator Bill Doyle's annual Town Meeting survey showed that more Vermonters are for the continued operation of Vermont Yankee than are opposed to it.
We happen to have elected officials who are not responsibly educating the public about the risks and benefits of nuclear power. There are risks associated with any large-scale power production facility, but the nuclear industry's safety record is second to no other industry.
Nuclear power production has many environmental benefits, including producing carbon-free, clean electricity. Other baseload sources like coal, oil, or natural gas certainly have a more significant impact. Other non-baseload sources like solar, hydro, and wind have promise but do not supply the quantity of energy needed.
Vermont Yankee has been producing safe and reliable power for 40 years. Significant upgrades to plant systems have been made and continue to be made to ensure that the plant can be operated safely and reliably for another 20 years.
In the five years that Vermont Yankee underwent the federal license renewal process, the license renewal team established additional plans for ensuring that systems continue to operate safely for the next 20 years. These plans include additional inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance.
All these measures add to the safety of the plant and should give those people who are willing to be objective the confidence that they need to support continued operation.