Vermont appeals nuclear plant decision in Second Circuit
February 29, 2012
Vermont: Vermont's Attorney General, Bill Sorrell has filed a notice of appeal with United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit over the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant decision in January. At issue is the state's authority to determine the safety and economic impact of the plant's continued operation. John Murtha, judge of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, found in favor of the company which runs the plant, Entergy.[1]
Though the Vermont State Senate voted to not allow a twenty year extension granted by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal government has jurisdiction over matters of nuclear energy.
In the state's appeal, Attorney General Sorrell intends to focus on all aspects of Murtha's decision. He said, "We have strong arguments to make on appeal. The district court’s decision improperly limits the State’s legitimate role in deciding whether Vermont Yankee should operate in Vermont beyond March 21, 2012."[2]
Governor Peter Shumlin agrees with Sorrell's assessment. In a press release, he said that he will continue to work on his administration's authority over the plant.[3]
Footnotes
- ↑ World Nuclear News, "Vermont Yankee wins right to keep generating," January 20, 2012
- ↑ Burlington Free Press, "Vermont appeals court ruling on Yankee nuclear plant," February 18, 2012
- ↑ Office of the Vermont Governor, Press Release: "Gov. Shumlin's statement on Attorney General's decision to appeal Vermont Yankee," February 18, 2012
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