Nuclear Plant to Be Refueled Despite Uncertainty of Long Term Fate

By Pat Bradley

Vernon, VT – The owner of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant - Entergy - and the state of Vermont are in a court battle over the state's jurisdiction to prevent the plant from operating beyond March. Entergy had requested an injunction that would allow the plant to operate while the case continues. During the proceedings Vermont Yankee officials said they were uncertain whether they would order $60 million in nuclear fuel unless they got the injunction assuring the plant would continue operating. A judge denied the injunction last week. On Monday Entergy Corp. announced it will refuel the plant. Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell is not surprised........

Vermont Energy Partnership President Brad Ferland calls Entergy's decision to refuel good news for Vermont.......

Vermont Law School Professor of Law Cheryl Hanna says Entergy's decision to refuel suggests they are confident they will prevail in the lawsuit against the state......

New England Coalition Advisor Ray Shadis believes refueling is a risky business decision, but says Entergy also faces considerable pressure to stay online.....

Vermont Yankee Spokesman Larry Smith could not comment because of the litigation. In a press release, Entergy CEO J. Wayne Leonard states that the board believes ".....the merits of the company's legal position.....strongly support(s) its decision to continue to trial...... On that basis, the decision was made to move forward with the refueling....."