Last month, Vermont Yankee completed the transfer of all spent fuel into dry-cask storage.
It is noteworthy that Vermont Yankee accomplished this task without money from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund, which is well-positioned to support NorthStar's decommissioning project.
Finishing the fuel transfer within budget and two years ahead of schedule invites the community's confidence in the overall decommissioning plan, and it lays a strong foundation for NorthStar's prompt, efficient decommissioning work.
Site restoration should be completed in about 10 years. Then the former plant site can become home to another provider of jobs and revenue for Vernon and Windham County.
Kudos to Vermont Yankee for reaching the first major milestone ahead of schedule.