Hundreds Protest to Shut Down Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant

In February 2010, the Vermont Senate voted 26 to 4 against re-licensing of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant after 2012, citing radioactive tritium leaks, misstatements in testimony by plant officials, a cooling tower collapse in 2007, and other problems. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given approved for the plant to operate an additional 20 years. The plant sits directly on the Connecticut River.

Vernon, Vermont – March 21, 2011

Hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant Sunday to show support for victims in Japan and to renew their call to shut the Vernon plant down.

“Nuclear power isn’t cheap and it isn’t safe. What’s going on in Japan illustrates that it is not safe. We are not exploiting that. That is just what’s reinforcing what we have been saying,” said Bob Bady with the group Safe and Green.

Officials at Yankee maintain the plants is safe and reliable to operate for another 20 years. And on Monday the Nuclear Regulatory Commission officially granted approval for Yankee to stay in business for another 20 years.

Adam Sullivan – WCAX News