Lately, discussions are about conducting an independent safety assessment (ISA) at Vermont Yankee. These concerns stem from the finding of the 1996 ISA at Maine Yankee, but a few points should be clarified.
First, a common misconception is that the ISA at Maine Yankee was conducted independently of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC is the federal, independent regulatory body, charged with the oversight and regulation of the nuclear industry. The 25-member assessment team that conducted the ISA at Maine Yankee was comprised of 22 NRC inspector staff, and three additional individuals appointed by the governor of Maine. The only limiting requirement for the NRC experts was that they had not had any prior significant responsibility at Maine Yankee.
Secondly, the Maine Yankee review resulted in the NRC incorporating new assessment processes and procedures, which became their standard inspection regimen for all U.S. nuclear plants. These lessons learned at Maine Yankee became part of the NRC's reactor oversight process (ROP), to which all nuclear facilities, including Vermont Yankee, are subject. In the 10 years since the Maine Yankee ISA, the NRC reactor oversight process has evolved far beyond those original modifications and improvements.
The American commercial nuclear industry has an exemplary safety record. If an additional Vermont Yankee assessment should be deemed necessary, state and federal regulators have the experience and knowledge to address these issues. The NRC is made up of the most knowledgeable nuclear energy experts in the field. The political independence of these experts is the foundation of their credibility. As professionals, they extensively test and review the physical structures and engineering, day in and day out, of 103 nuclear power plants throughout the country. Unless an ISA is conducted with the highest standards of objectivity, a so-called independent safety assessment would merely be redundant, costly, and play into the hands of those whose only agenda is to close Vermont Yankee.
There is a lot at stake here for Vermont's future. As the public discussion moves forward, it is imperative that we keep the issue centered on facts.
Remember, Vermont Yankee has displaced more than 55 million tons (approximately 2.36 million tractor trailers loads) of carbon dioxide since coming online. Vermont Yankee power is economical and 2-4/7 base-load power. Yankee has operated in Vermont safely and efficiently for 35 years.
In providing one-third of the electricity used in the state and generating the majority of local state electricity, Vermont Yankee is a critical asset and economic foundation of the region.
Vermont Yankee provides more than 600 well-paid jobs and annually contributes about $200 million to the local and state economies.
Additionally, Vermont Yankee sells electricity to state utilities at very low and fixed rates. The Vermont Department of Public Service estimates that because of the 10-year power purchase agreement, which began when Entergy bought the plant in 2002, Vermonters will save an estimated total of $668 million.
Vermont Yankee's continued operation beyond its current license is predicated on its continued ability to operate a safe and efficient facility. If an ISA becomes political, everyone in Vermont can lose.
Milt Eaton of Brattleboro is a former Vermont secretary of development and community affairs, a former Department of Energy official and current member of the Vermont Energy Partnership.
