Opposing Sides Clash At Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant Hearing

By: Josh Robin

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The fate of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Westchester County is up to federal officials, but that hasn't stopped state lawmakers from weighing in on its potential closure and what it would mean for the reliability of electric power in much of the state. NY1’s Josh Robin filed the following report.

Nuclear opponents got their message out Thursday, but so did supporters of the two Indian Point plants.

Someone leaning on a light switch was to blame for a brief moment of darkness at the Lower Manhattan hearing, but the takeaway was clear: close the plant and the lights go out.

"If you shut down both plants when demand for electricity is high believe me, the Public Service Commission, the governor, mayor of New York, they all get very nervous,” said Jim Steets, Indian Point spokesman.

Governor Andrew Cuomo actually said he's more nervous about an active Indian Point.

It's 25 miles from New York City, near two active seismic zones, and therefore risking a Fukushima-type disaster.

Washington is weighing renewal for two licenses that expire in 2013 and 2015.

One estimate predicts blackout risks by 2016 if they are closed. Less controversial replacement projects are in the works, but they face licensing and other challenges.

"The state Legislature has the ability to invest state resources in renewables and alter the laws regarding the planning process to enable transmission lines to be built more rapidly," said Brooklyn Assemblyman Jim Brennan.

Those lines are key to replenishing the power lost in a shutdown, but chances are, they won't be built fast.

"We talk about putting a power plant up, and you see how controversial that is— put a transmission line from 300 communities from upstate to downstate," said Gavin Donohue of Independent Power Producers.

"But when you measure that against the cost and the danger, it's an easy decision to make," said Richard Brodsky, who opposes Indian Point.

However, even the harshest Indian Point critics admit nuclear power has one benefit: it doesn't burn fossil fuels. Some fear if it's closed, the city would have to rely on plants that make its pollution even worse.

Norris McDonald said some opponents appear more concerned for aquatic life in the Hudson than city residents.

"They're pitting fish eggs against kids and elderly with asthma," said Norris McDonald of the African American Environmentalist Association.

Of course, as opponents may say, a disaster at Indian Point could inflict widespread damage that doesn't discriminate.