HODES CALLS FOR SHUTDOWN OF VERMONT YANKEE
Hodes: No Production at Plant Until Leak is Resolved
Concord, NH - Today, Paul Hodes called for the Vermont Yankee power plant in Vernon, VT to immediately cease operation until the recently-discovered tritium leak is fixed. Recent reports have shown that the tritium leak at the plant has now reached the Connecticut River, in addition to whistleblower's reports showing the possibility of previously unreported leaks.
"Reckless behavior, deliberate cover-ups, and unfruitful internal investigations from officials at Vermont Yankee have rocked the trust of New Hampshire families living just a stones throw away from this plant," said Hodes. "If we are going to get serious about public safety, the reactors at Vermont Yankee should be shuttered until this leak is resolved.
"While the plant is closed, Entergy must continue to pay the full salaries of workers who were not involved in the leak. As I continue to demand answers and greater control for New Hampshire in this issue, I will fight to make sure middle class plant workers are not punished for wrong decisions made by others. Too much is still unknown about tritium leeching its way into one of the Granite State's critical waterways; and for the plant to continue production with a business-as-usual approach is both astonishing and unacceptable."
A recent report alleged that the tritium leak which has found its way to the Connecticut River is very similar to a situation discovered by plant officials just a few years ago. Whistleblowers came forward with information about a similar tritium leak which was discovered by plant officials nearly two years ago. Hodes has called for subpoenas to obtain records from Vermont Yankee to assist investigations into these recent developments.
Hodes has also announced legislation to give New Hampshire more authority over the plant to keep Granite State families safe.
