Business groups
Jeffery Wimette, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #300
“This is a tragic day for hard-working people in Vermont, and for the IBEW’s brothers and sisters at Vermont Yankee in particular. For too long, too many Vermont elected officials have been hostile to business, to private jobs, and played games with the welfare of the employees at Vermont Yankee. What became of Vermont’s moto – BY LOCAL? We just helped sell our fellow brothers and sisters down the Connecticut River.”
“It is time that we come together as a state to both immediately help out those who will be impacted by the plant’s closing and to change state policy so Vermont shows it is not only open for business, but friendly toward business. God bless the employees and the surrounding community.”
Statement from Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies
We are deeply concerned about the loss of over 650 highly paid jobs and the impacts that will have on the lives of the VY employee families. We are equally concerned about the overall impact to the regional economy and the impact to the many contractors and other businesses that do business with VY.
The announcement that Entergy will close Vermont Yankee in 2014 significantly exacerbates the economic challenges facing Southeastern Vermont. This adds even more urgency to our need to act to implement existing and developing strategies.
Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS) has been working since 2007 and officially organized in 2011 to evaluate and strategize recovery of the 20 year economic decline in Windham County. The telltale symptoms of that decline have been stagnant wages, population loss, and loss of younger population. To date SeVEDS has successfully engaged both the public and private sector in supporting, developing, and implementing long term strategies for improving our economy. SeVEDS is nearing completion of a federally recognized Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) which outlines strategies and actions for improving the regional economy.
SeVEDS commissioned the Post-Vermont Yankee Task Force, chaired by Stephan Morse, to report on the additional economic impacts a Vermont Yankee closure would have on the regional economy. While the task force took no position on the timing of such a closure, this report, issued in March 2012, outlined the potentially five most serious impacts: Job loss, GDP decline, major declines in real estate value, major declines in available human capital, and declines in state and local tax revenue. That report can be found here http://seveds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/PostVY.pdf
Today’s announcement, given our current economic situation, is a serious blow. We will be working closely with the Windham Regional Commission, local, state and federal government on taking aggressive actions to stabilize the Southeastern Vermont’s economy.
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce
The chamber is deeply concerned about the loss of over 600 high-paying jobs in Vermont and the impact this job loss will have on the lives of the Vermont Yankee employees and their families. We are equally concerned about the overall impact the plant’s closure will have on the regional economy, including the many contractors and other businesses that do business with Vermont Yankee.
Vermont Yankee employs over 600 people in southern Vermont and generates over $50M annually in disposable income. The energy company contributes nearly $100 million per year to the state’s economy by employing people with high-wage jobs, making sizable charitable donations to non-profit organizations, and paying millions of dollars annually for local and state fees and taxes. When an employer of this size downsizes, the economic development impact is devastating.
Over the next eighteen months, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce will lend support to the work already underway with state and local officials to develop an economic development plan for Windham County and a strategy for helping these displaced workers find employment and continue to contribute to the state’s economy.
Associated Industries of Vermont
“The closure of Vermont Yankee will be a serious blow to Vermont’s economy and future, and will highlight the fundamental failures in Vermont’s energy policies.
“The more than six hundred highly paid, highly skilled jobs that will be lost at the plant will be extremely difficult to replace. The ripple effect on businesses that benefited from Vermont Yankee’s operations will also hurt the state. In total, Vermont Yankee supports nearly 1300 jobs in Vermont, with over $93 million in wages and nearly $50 million in disposable income according to testimony before the Public Service Board earlier this year. The net losses in economic activity and state and local revenues will be significant.
“More broadly, the loss of a very large, local, clean, and reliable generator of electricity will remove one of the best options Vermont would have had available to offset our extremely high electric costs, which are a significant drag on our economic competitiveness and the viability of future economic stability and growth.
“Although current market conditions contributed to the decision to close Vermont Yankee, this does not absolve the Administration and Legislature from shared responsibility. Rather than embracing Vermont Yankee as a critical part of Vermont’s electric and economic future and helping to secure its operation through these difficult market conditions, overt political, legislative, and regulatory hostility toward the plant in recent years has helped lead to this sad development.
“Vermont’s economy – the welfare of working Vermonters and their families – will be paying the price for years to come.”
Vermont Energy Partnership
“The announcement today by Entergy of the planned shutdown of Vermont Yankee next year comes as a surprise considering the legal success through the federal circuit court decision last week.
“Over the years, we have had the opportunity to get to know many of the hard-working, skilled professionals of Vermont Yankee and have witnessed their dedication to ensuring the extremely safe operation of Vermont Yankee. We have every confidence they will continue to operate the plant at the utmost levels of safety.
“The Vermont Energy Partnership intends to study the impact of this decision on Vermont’s energy future and New England’s demand for clean, baseload electricity. As always, VTEP remains committed to a future of clean, safe, affordable and reliable power. Vermont Yankee has been a valuable contributor to that policy goal, as well as supporting Windham County’s economy through hundreds of good paying jobs and millions in state and local revenue.
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
VBSR has long believed there are viable alternatives to Vermont Yankee, a facility that poses numerous environmental, safety, and financial risks for Vermont electricity users. The operation of an aging and troubled nuclear power plant in our borders undermines Vermont’s reputation as a clean and green state.
With today’s announcement, it is clear that Vermont should continue on its path to modernize our grid to facilitate distributed energy sources and stimulate the creation of affordable, clean, and local power from our farms and forests, our rivers, our sun and wind.
We also recognize that this will be a difficult transition for the employees at Vermont Yankee and the communities surrounding the facility. VBSR hopes there are opportunities for ENVY workers to participate in the shutdown and decommissioning of the plant and that state officials are prepared to assist in job placement, training and other support for those displaced by today’s decision.
Environmental groups
Sandra Levine, a senior attorney in CLF’s Vermont office
“The end of Vermont Yankee is the beginning of a new chapter in Vermont’s energy future. The state has been saddled with this poorly managed, uneconomic dinosaur for far too long, enduring environmental damage and the persistent threats to public health and safety that come with operating a nuclear power plant well beyond its planned life. Vermonters, who have fought vigorously for more than a decade to shut the plant down, will not be sorry to see the back of Vermont Yankee.”
“Ultimately, old technology, whether nuclear or coal-fired, cannot compete with newer, more efficient resources, renewable energy and energy efficiency. New England is undergoing a massive technology transition that is hastening the demise of old power plants throughout the region. Vermont is leading the way into an era of smarter, more efficient ways to generate electricity and is well-positioned on its way to a nuclear-free, fossil-fuel free energy future.”
Brian Shupe, executive director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council
“Today’s announcement that Entergy will close and clean up the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is good news for Vermont and its energy future,” said Brian Shupe, VNRC’s executive director. “We hope and expect the state can help those workers displaced by this closure find new work. In the meantime, we must turn our attention to decommissioning to be sure its done properly, that Vermont taxpayers don’t foot the bill and that VY restores the land so that future generations can use and enjoy it.”
Paul Burns, executive director of VPIRG
“With today’s admission that it no longer makes sense to operate this troubled plant, Entergy has finally — and perhaps for the first time — told Vermonters the truth about Vermont Yankee.”
“VPIRG never lost faith that this plant would soon close. It represented a risk would could not afford for power we don’t need.”
“The final chapter for Vermont Yankee begins today. But for our state’s clean energy future, this is just the beginning.”
Renewable Energy Vermont
“Our energy future rests solidly in generating more renewable energy and wasting less of what we generate. As the state trade association for all renewable businesses, Renewable Energy Vermont looks forward to welcoming the energy professionals from the Vermont Yankee plant into the renewable industry and market.”
The Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Alliance
The residents of the tri-state region can now concentrate on ensuring: a safe and thorough clean up; that Entergy pays for the decommissioning and greenfielding processes; as well as a positive transition for the workers and their families.
Politicians
Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt.
“My thoughts are with the employees of Vermont Yankee. This dedicated workforce has always been steadfast in their professionalism and commitment to the operation of the plant.”
“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission must now take a vigilant role in ensuring that the plant is safely decommissioned and the site returned to usable status as quickly as possible. This closure provides a potential opportunity as we look for ways to advance Vermont’s energy future and to find new jobs for Vermont Yankee employees. I will work closely with the Governor and the state’s delegation to ensure the safe and swift dismantling of the plant and secure the economic vitality of the Windham County region.”
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
“Safe decommissioning of Vermont Yankee is an issue of enormous and overarching importance for Vermont. Every precaution must be taken to insure public and worker safety during the decommissioning, and to insure that we do not leave a public safety nightmare for future generations of Vermonters.”
Entergy has said that they intend to employ the “SAFSTOR” approach, meaning they intend to mothball the plant, largely intact, for 20 or more years before cleanup is fully addressed. In 2011 Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) wrote to the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), [LINK to letter: http://www.leahy.senate.gov/download/delegation-to-nrc-safstor] expressing their deep concerns about the SAFSTOR approach as it might be applied to Vermont Yankee. Their letter said, in part: “SAFSTOR would let Entergy off the hook for clean-up, waste disposal, and remediation of the plant site in Vernon, Vermont, for years, or even decades.”
Instead, Leahy noted, moving quickly to full decommissioning and cleanup would have the added advantage of using the plant’s current highly skilled and experienced workforce, rather than trying to train a new generation of workers with the plant and its older technology decades from now.
Leahy said the NRC should now be pressed to approve a decommissioning approach which places the highest priority on safety, now and into the future, and not to sacrifice the public interest in the interest of Entergy’s bottom line.
“The full cost of this decommissioning needs to be paid by the plant owner and must not become a burden for Vermont or for the federal government.”
Leahy also said that while Vermont Yankee contributes to the regional power grid, none of the electricity currently generated by Vermont Yankee is sold in Vermont, though a significant portion of Vermont’s electricity purchases do come from other nuclear power plants.
“Now is the time for Vermonters to refocus our attention on increasing our energy efficiency and bringing online alternative clean and renewable energy sources. This is added impetus for offsetting as much of Vermont Yankee’s capacity as possible through those better, cleaner and sustainable alternatives. The cheapest energy of all is the energy we don’t use.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
“I am delighted that Entergy will shut down the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant which has had so many problems in recent years. There is a strong desire on the part of the people of the state of Vermont to close the plant that was scheduled to operate for only 40 years,” Sanders said.
“The closure will allow Vermont to focus on leading the nation toward safer and more economical sources of sustainable and renewable energy like solar, wind, geothermal and biomass,” added Sanders, a member of the Senate energy and environment committees.
While welcoming news of the shutdown, Sanders said the jobs of Vermont Yankee employees must be preserved while the plant is safely decommissioned.
“Entergy must go through a decommissioning process as soon as possible, a process which will require many workers,” Sanders said. “Clearly there are no people who know the Vermont Yankee plant better than those who are currently employed and they should be given top priority for those new jobs.”
The company has indicated it favors a decommissioning method that could result in decades of delay. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Sanders said he will work aggressively to make sure the decommissioning process starts as soon as possible.
Speaker of the House Shap Smith
“Entergy’s announcement this morning that it will close and decommission Vermont Yankee in 2014 comes after several years of speculation about the long term sustainability of the plant. This closure is part of a broader national trend in which the economic viability of nuclear power is uncertain, as the country looks to develop an affordable and sustainable energy profile for the future.
In the coming months and years, the legislature will work with the Administration, Windham County leaders and others to assist employees of the plant and the surrounding communities during this transition period. Entergy repeatedly has assured Vermonters that it will decommission the plant in a safe and environmentally sound way. I will work to ensure that this commitment is fully met.”
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott
Today’s announcement from Entergy Nuclear that they plan to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in 2014 is a devastating blow to the plant’s 600-plus employees, their families and the Windham County economy.
High-paying jobs are few and far between in Vermont; we now run the risk of seeing many highly skilled employees who work at Vermont Yankee leave our state. Job loss numbers as high as predicted in this situation are not anything a region can plan for.
The contribution Vermont Yankee employees, contractors and the plant itself make to the local economy cannot be understated; in that light, we must commit ourselves to helping Windham County fill what soon could be a gaping economic hole. I plan to work closely with the legislature and Administration to develop a strategy to help those displaced employees find work as well as producing an economic development plan for Windham County.
Vermont leaders must learn from this: It is more important than ever that we dedicate ourselves to finding ways to grow our economy, keep existing high-paying jobs in our state and also attract new ones, thus creating the foundation for a bright future for Vermonters.
Vermont GOP
“Today is a sad day for the Vermont middle-class as we lose another major employer due to the failed economic policies of the majority party in Montpelier. More than 600 people will be looking for new jobs because government intervention in the market made it unsustainable to do business in our state.”
“We are on a very dangerous path when the loss of more than 600 good paying jobs is lauded by our Governor as the ‘Right decision for Vermont’s energy future’ and ‘part of the plan from the beginning’.”
“Our state needs to break down the barriers that prevent larger companies like Entergy, IBM and Energizer, that can afford to pay their employees a livable wage and offer them benefits, from leaving Vermont. We must start attracting these companies by giving them incentives to stay here when they do come. As our Governor celebrates this political victory, all the unintended consequences will be felt around the kitchen tables of working Vermonters and their families.”
Vermont Democratic Party Chair Dottie Deans
“This is the right decision. Vermonters can now focus on our progress down the path to a sustainable, greener energy future. We look forward to supporting Governor Shumlin, Vermont’s Congressional Delegation, and our leaders in the Legislature, as they work with others, including Governors Patrick and Hassan, to find jobs for the plant’s current workers and continue our progress on economic development in the region.”
Progressive Party Chair Martha Abbott
“Many Progressives fought against the building of a nuclear power plant in Vermont back in 1970. It is wonderful news that Entergy has decided to close it. The plant was no longer economically viable for them so they have made a savvy business decision. It is also likely that the Vermont Public Service Board would not have given them a Certificate of Public Good to continue operating as Vermont no longer receives any power from the plant.
“While it is a great day to celebrate, we will have to hold our breath for another year and a half and hope that no more leaks or accidents happen between now and the end of 2014 when it is planned to shut down.
“More importantly we must demand that Entergy set aside sufficient funds to decommission the plant safely and ‘restore the area to a green field’ as was promised when it was built. Further, we must also demand a just transition for the many Vermonters who work at the plant, to ensure that they and their families are taken care of as they move on to other positions.”
Activist groups
New England Coalition
“With an antiquated, increasingly frail Entergy Vermont Yankee running at extended power uprate we have a very dangerous year to traverse. Add the fact that Vermont Yankee’s most in demand, most skilled employees will be leaving in droves well in advance of the closing and the remaining demoralized employees will be busy reading the help-wanted pages instead of the gauges, and it is likely to be Vermont Yankee’s most dangerous year of operation ever.”
“Environmental and public safety advocates and regulators must stay on their toes at this most crucial time.”
“One fundamental purpose of our advocacy has always been to try to protect the public and the environment from nuclear waste – waste in the fuel, in the reactor, in the pool, out-in-the-yard, soon to be released in the next reactor or fuel handling accident, and out on the wind. Soon, Entergy Vermont Yankee, a nuclear waste pile that generated electricity will stop generating electricity – and it will either be mothballed or promptly torn apart but it will be, absent electricity generation, just a nuclear waste pile….from which the public and the environment need to be protected.
“So, the planned 2014 closing (if Entergy doesn’t change its mind) is a real milestone to getting Vermont and the region off of the poison power path, but our work is just beginning.”
Deb Katz, Vermont Citizens Awareness Network
“We applaud Entergy’s decision to shut down an aging nuclear power plant, rather than to push it past its limits. We appreciate their commitment for planning for a safe and orderly shutdown. We will remain vigilant to ensure that the decommissioning is done responsibly and in the safest way possible. Today, we celebrate this milestone in our work to end nuclear power generation in the Northeast and to foster a renewable energy future. This is a win for the people. Their relentless work has made the closure of Vermont Yankee possible. We thank all who have worked to make this day happen, especially the state of Vermont for its perseverance on this issue.”
