The Fall of Indian Point Nuclear and Rise of NYRI
By Jim Willis on Dec 5, 2007 in Energy, Gov Eliot Spitzer | Printable Version
Eliot “The Don” Spitzer is in desperate need of a publicity win after trying to ram through drivers’ licenses for illegal aliens and then attempting to tax your Internet purchases. He’s got himself a new pet cause–shutting down the two nuclear reactors that sit along the Hudson River known as the Indian Point Energy Center. They’re not “safe” you see, and “everyone” knows nuclear power is bad anyway. (Never mind it’s one of the cleanest and greenest forms of energy available today.) This one has to be sure winner, right?
Wrong. Again. Spitzer has knack for that. Here are the facts as delivered via a New York Sun article from December 4th… Indian Point is composed of two reactors built in the early 1970s. The facility is located just outside of Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River, about 35 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Some 20 million people live or work within 50 miles of the plant. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has apparently made it one of his aims to get the plant closed, possibly eyeing a challenge to Spitzer in 2010, using this issue to get himself noticed. But now Spitzer has jumped on the bandwagon and supports closing it too. Messrs. Spitzer and Cuomo’s stated opposition is because the plant is too old, not safe, and an easy target for terrorists.
After 9/11, I think we can all be concerned about any facility that could be co-opted and used against us, including (and perhaps particularly) nuclear facilities. People should be concerned about such possibilities–nothing wrong with that. And nuclear facilities sure better be safe for those that live near them. No argument from me on that either. But is Indian Point really unsafe and unprotected?
The owner of Indian Point, Entergy (who bought it only six years ago), has invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” in safety improvements in the plant. There is a National Guard base located within one mile of the plant. It’s strictly regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and various State agencies, complete with evacuation plans, contingency plans, and a beefed up security force in the aftermath of 9/11. By all accounts, the plant is safe and produces on the order of 2,000 megawatts of electricity. In fact, it provides New York City and Downstate with an estimated 25% of its electricity!
Entergy has filed for a 20-year extension on their license to operate the plant. Spitzer and Cuomo have filed a petition with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to request it not be reauthorized. And where, pray tell, will Downstate find a new source for 25% of its electricity needs should Indian Point close? Why Upstate, of course! Let’s just run a big ole power line across those ignorant farmers’ back yards in Upstate and they’ll never know the difference! I’m being just a bit sarcastic, but I believe such is the essence of conversations going on in Albany right now.
Indian Point’s licenses for its two reactors expire in 2013 and 2015. Enter the New York Regional Interconnect power line–a 200 mile high voltage line that will run from Oneida County in Upstate to Orange County in Downstate (running through Broome County), without economically benefiting the very people whose land will be taken by eminent domain to make it possible. The NYRI power line is due to come online in 2011, if they can manage to ram it through (construction is supposed to start in 2008). It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots.
What do you think? Have I turned into a conspiracy nutjob? Or maybe a soothsayer? Leave me a comment!
Technorati Tags: Indian Point Energy Center, Eliot Spitzer, Andrew Cuomo, nuclear energy, New York Regional Interconnect
Roger Thornhill | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
Well researched and written, Jim.
Spitzer hovers on the edge of indictment and impeachment, making every move he attempts suspect.
As our friends in France have learned, nuclear power is safe and tenable. 70 percent of France’s electric needs are served by nukes, as ours should be.
The Green Weenie/Nader factors in the past have stopped needed contruction and that must change.
As far as the powerline is concerned, the Feds have determined that a new line is necessary for national (read state) security, and that trumps local bullroar.
If the lights go off in NYC due to inadequate supply lines, guess where they’ll take the power from to get NYC back on line? A: Upstate NY.
Better have your diesel genset and 1,000 gals of fuel oil handy.
I do.
Roger T.
http://www.commentator.vze.com
Jim Willis | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Roger. I always love your comments–and your blog, which I highly recommend to the readers of this blog: http://www.commentator.vze.com. Keep up the great work.
- Jim
Roger Thornhill | Dec 6, 2007 | Reply
And I thank you, Jim [applause light comes on]
I failed to mention that my mains are handled by Rural Electric Cooperative, in which the customers are the owners. There are 4 in the state, which are interconnected to each other by a powerline, which then runs directly to Plattsburgh, NY where we buy the power directly from Canada Hyrdo (we be green!).
There was opposition to the construction of this line 15 years ago, too from Luddites who think nothing of running 20 year old smoking wrecks of Volvos (held together with Nader and Dean bumperstickers) that get 15 mpg and who oppose windmills as they raise their marijuana crop with energy sucking halide lighting systems.
Go figure.
Anywho, our electric rate is 6/cents/kWhr night or day.
Beat that, NYSEG.
Roger T.
http://www.commentator.vze.com
PS: Hello to our ‘friend’ at Bing. U.