In a victory of people power over corporate power, the Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor closed permanently on December 29. The facility is three miles from Massachusetts and a stone's throw from New Hampshire. It's owned by Entergy Corporation of Louisiana.
The closure came after years of protests by thousands of people in the Valley. Hundreds were arrested for non-violent civil disobedience. Thousands attended marches and rallies, spoke out at public hearings, and went door-to-door to educate their neighbors about the dangers of nuclear power.
Deb Katz of the Citizens Awareness Network (CAN) was one of the leaders of the fight. “Today, we celebrate this milestone in our work to end nuclear power generation in the Northeast and to foster a renewable energy future," she said. "This is a win for the people."
What a relief
This closure brings us one step closer to having a chance for a livable area even after natural disasters or extended electric outages. (These were the causes of the ongoing nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan. When a nuclear power plant's reactor is turned off for decommissioning or because of a hurricane or other natural disaster, another source of electricity is required to run the river, lake or ocean water pumps that keep the nuclear fuel and nuclear waste cool, preventing a release of deadly radiation into the environment. -Editor)
Closure is sweet
I attended rallies for over 30 years since I first moved to the area in 1982. When VY was granted a license renewal for 20 more years in 2012, I wasn't sure if I'd live to see the closure.
It's a sweet victory for all of us.
Live from Shelburne Falls
Vermont Yankee Closes
Congratulations to all the brave and determined people who worked for so long.
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