What Can You Do About Indian Point?
- Monday, 16 May 2011 14:11
- Last Updated: Monday, 16 May 2011 21:59
- Published: Monday, 16 May 2011 14:11
- Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 6044
Paul Gallay, the Exectuive Director of Riverkeeper was invited to speak at the Scarsdale League of Women Voter’s luncheon on Friday May 13th and he knew what was on people’s mind: Indian Point. In Germany, the use of nuclear power is being phased out and Japan announced that they would not build any more nuclear power plants. But what is being done in the U.S.?
Could what happened in Japan happen here? And what can Westchester County residents do to ensure our safety?
First he encouraged everyone to use energy wisely. With competition for energy resources growing nationally and internationally he told the group to do an analysis of their own homes and make changes to increase conservation.
Second he outlined why Indian Point posed the highest danger of any nuclear reactor in the United States and urged the audience to get involved.
There is currently no evacuation plan for those living within a 50 mile radius of the reactor and radiation from a spill would extend far beyond 10
Last, he relayed that the plant is up for a renewal of its license this fall. A hearing on the relicensing is scheduled for June 2nd in Cortlandt Manor. Gallay urged everyone to come and voice their concerns.
An audience member asked how we would meet our energy needs if the plant was shut down and Gallay argued that energy conservation measures could eliminate the need for 80-90% of the energy we get from Indian Point. The cost to local residents of the plant closure would be about $68 more per year for power for the average area household.
Gallay also spoke to the group about the dangers of fracking. You can learn more about both issues on the Riverkeeper website at www.riverkeeper.org.
He ended by telling the attendees to “Never doubt the ability of a small group of individuals to change the world. Indeed they are the only ones that ever have.”
Lead by President Jane Veron and a dynamic League Board, the Scarsdale League of Women Voters presented an informative and timely event. To learn more about the League, visit their website.