Close Indian point-Call Gov.Spitzer

[Guest guest]

Greetings to those working to close Indian Point,

This is part three in a three part series. And is an update on actions that

have been taken to close the reactors at Indian Point.

The first e-mail dealt with actions individuals can take now to close the

reactors at Indian Point. We are all in this together and a grassroots

movement draws strength from the actions its members take. If you have not yet

written a letter to Governor Spitzer do it now. If you have not yet contacted

your

local officials, call them today. If you need help call the IPSEC toll free

number at 1-888-474-8848.

The second e-mail dealt with an overview of the relicensing process. As of

this writing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has just officially accepted

the application of Entergy to re license both reactors for another 20 years.

Here is an update on what is happening now to slow down the process and over

throw what would normally be a sure bet.

Part 3

Update on Current Actions

County Executive Spano's has a court case pending to broaden the criteria

for relicensing. This means that more than aging equipment and environmental

issues would have to be considered. His suit asks that population density and

the evacuation plan be considered as well. A hearing will be held in October.

Attorney General Cuomo has joined this case by filling a friend of the court

brief. This is development indicates state support and strengthens the court

case. Thank you notes to Cuomo are certainly in order.

The Department of Environmental Conservation won a court case requiring

Entergy to install closed cycle cooling as a condition for relicensing.

Entergy

has appealed this decision. This case deals with thermal pollution and is

enormously important to the health of the River. The results of this appeal

could have a major impact on relicensing. (While closed cycle cooling is

expensive to install, it is not likely that this expense alone would close the

plant. It would, however, answer many of the environmental problems posed by

thermal

pollution.)

Congressman John Hall is focusing on the Independent Safety Analysis. His

proposal is for an independent panel of experts to thoroughly examine all

aspects of the plant. Their findings would determine what happens. He has

submitted legislation requiring an ISA for Indian Point. The bill is being held

in

the House Energy Committee. It may be necessary to write to the Chairman of the

Committee, Congressman Dingle, to help get it out of committee. Details

will follow.

Senator Clinton has had discussions with Entergy executives and asked them

to support an Independent Safety Analysis. Their reply was polite but

noncommittal.

Clearwater will focus on the discharge and impact of radiological isotopes

leaking into the Hudson River.

FUSE, a new grassroots organization, has filed " intervener petitions " and

will file " contentions " to keep issues open for court appeal down the road.

Riverkeeper will also be filling " contentions " to the NRC to challenge many

points in Entergy's renewal application. Again, this is being done with an

eye toward future court action.

IPSEC will continue to focus on grassroots involvement in the

political process. We are a coalition, not a group, so decision

making can be a bit unwieldy as we seek consensus of all of our members. Our

web page is currently under for revision. The time line, recent happening

and calls for action will be posted there as soon as possible. Until then this

listserv is your best bet for prompt and accurate Indian Pint info.

What you can do:

Make sure you pass on any new information to any group of which you are a

member.

Make sure it gets into their newsletters and bulletins. Our speaker's bureau

is still in operation.

If you and your friends would like to learn more about relicensing or find

out the answers to questions like " How can we get along without the

electricity IP generates? " organize a meeting of friends and colleagues. Call

us at

1-888-I- SHUT-IT and we will provide a person who has the answers.

In the meantime, continue to talk with your friends and local officials

about Indian Point and explain why we need to shut down Indian Point. Entergy

is

spending millions on publicity. We are relying on facts, common sense and

dialogue. Nuclear power is neither safe nor clean nor green and we need to

build a consensus that we can live better without Indian Point

Marilyn Elie

For the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalit

 

 

 

 

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