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Statement of Deb Katz, VCAN on Entergy’s Decision to Close Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant

by Not Signed In | Activism

“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.”

VT Yankee to Close: BCTV Full Coverage

by BrattleboroTV | Media

With Entergy Nuclear announcing their plans to close Vermont Yankee
effective quarter four 2014, BCTV has taken to the edit room to round up
all the info–including the 5:45 Live special [] which includes
clips from Entergy’s official press conference, as well as interviews
with local legislators, the Governor, and many others.

The Great American Songbook: A Night of Jazz and Dancing with Chris Bakriges and Guests

by Brooks Memorial Library | Music

Friends of Brooks Memorial Library present: The Great American Songbook: A Night of Jazz and Dancing with Chris Bakriges and guests.

Saturday, September 21, 7-9 PM
The American Legion Hall, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT

The Friends of Brooks Memorial Library is sponsoring a concert to fund the public access computing and lifelong learning programs of the library. 

Chris Bakriges, an internationally recognized jazz pianist living in Southern Vermont, is volunteering his talents again to create a special evening of  instrumental pieces from the Great American Songbook–the most popular and enduring popular songs from the 1920’s to 1950’s–on September 21, starting at 7 PM, in the American Legion Hall in Brattleboro. 

1791 Bullock House in Guilford Open to Visitors Sept. 7

by Not Signed In | History

1791 House Restored and Open to Tour in Guilford, Saturday Sept. 7, 1-3 pm

About five years ago the 1791 Bullock-Ashworth House on Ashworth Road was purchased by Sara Coffey and her husband David Snyder for the purpose of housing visiting artists who are working at the recording studios of Guilford Sound and Vermont Performance Lab (VPL). The public is invited to tour the house on Sept. 7 from 1 to 3 pm to see what has been accomplished.

VT Yankee to Close: 5:45 Live Special – 8/27/13

by BrattleboroTV | Media

With Entergy Nuclear announcing this morning their plans to close Vermont Yankee effective quarter four 2014, 5:45 Live has taken to the edit room to round up all the info–including clips from Entergy’s official press conference, as well as interviews with local legislators, the Governor, and many others.

Congressman Welch Stresses Jobs and Safety Following Decision to Close Vermont Yankee

by Not Signed In | Politics

Burlington, VT. (August 27th, 2013)- Rep. Peter Welch made the following statement regarding Entergy Corporation’s plan to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant:

“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,” Welch said.

Statement from NH Governor Hassan on Closure of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station

by Not Signed In | Politics

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement today on Entergy Corporation’s decision to close and decommission the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station:

“While today’s announcement is significant, the issues related to the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station have been closely monitored for years by officials in New Hampshire and across the region, and I am confident that, given the advanced notice, all parties are prepared to effectively respond and ensure public safety throughout the closure process.”

Senator Leahy: Safety Remains Highest Priority As Closure Looms For Vermont Yankee Plant

by Not Signed In | Politics

Leahy Urges Prompt Decommissioning, Instead Of Entergy’s Preferred “SAFSTOR” Approach

August 27, 2013

MONTPELIER, Vt.– U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) says safety should remain the highest priority as Entergy prepares to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The company Tuesday announced plans to close the aging plant in 2014.

Leahy said, “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.”

Vermont Speaker of the House Shap Smith Statement on VY Closure

by Not Signed In | Politics

“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.”

SeVEDS/BDCC Statement On The Announcement That Entergy Will Close Vermont Yankee In 2014

by Not Signed In | Business

from:
Jenna Pugliese, Chair of Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS)
Stephan Morse, Chair of SeVEDS Post Vermont Yankee Task Force
John Meyer, President of Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation

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.

Vermont Yankee Shutdown is ‘Good News,’ Sanders Says

by cgrotke | Politics

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today welcomed Entergy Corp.’s decision to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

“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.

Entergy Press Release on Closing VY

by cgrotke | State News

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) today said it plans to close and decommission its Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Vt. The station is expected to cease power production after its current fuel cycle and move to safe shutdown in the fourth quarter of 2014. The station will remain under the oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission throughout the decommissioning process.

“This was an agonizing decision and an extremely tough call for us,” said Leo Denault, Entergy’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Vermont Yankee has an immensely talented, dedicated and loyal workforce, and a solid base of support among many in the community. We recognize that closing the plant on this schedule was not the outcome they had hoped for, but we have reluctantly concluded that it is the appropriate action for us to take under the circumstances.”

Entergy FAQ on Closing VY

by cgrotke | State News

From the Entergy site:

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Vermont Yankee close?

The company anticipates shutting down the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in fourth quarter 2014, with the exact date still to be determined.

Why was this decision made?

Vermont Yankee has an immensely talented, dedicated, and loyal workforce (about 630 employees) and a solid base of support in the community. We recognize that closing the plant on this schedule was certainly not the outcome they had hoped for, but we have reluctantly concluded that it is the appropriate action for us to take under the circumstances.

The decision to close Vermont Yankee in 2014 was based on a number of financial factors, including:

Cameras and Sensors on I-91?

by ewkruger | Rumors

Recently I’ve noticed the installation of temporary video camers along I-91 between exit 2 and 3.  There are also almost a dozen white boxes I’m assuming are getting speed or traffic counts.  Can someone confirm their purpose?  Is it for the new bridge? 

I’ve been pleased in the past to see that Vermont has not installed cameras at each I-91 interchange like our neighbor to the south has.  I hope this isn’t changing (unless, of course, they are catching heroin trafficers).

Report Focuses On Getting More Food To Vermonters

by Not Signed In | State News

(MONTPELIER, VT) While Vermont is a national leader in the local food movement, there are still many in our state who don’t have access to, can’t afford, or don’t know how to make use of the food produced here. This includes one in five Vermont children who are food insecure because their families can’t reliably meet basic nutritional needs.

A new report from the Vermont Community Foundation highlights some successful efforts underway to bridge this gap and bring local food to a lot more Vermonters. At the same time groups are working to develop stable year-round markets for Vermont farmers at nearby schools, hospitals, and senior centers.

Solar Solutions for Apartment Dwellers

by David Cadran | Home & Garden

Hello Everyone!

I have recently been putting in quite a bit of thought to solar power. I’d love to get solar power but I live in an apartment and my options are limited. I have a roof top patio which gets strong sun until the early afternoon and I would like to put a small panel out there. I’m not expecting this little foray to, by any means, provide all the power for my apartment but it would be nice to get some from it. What I am looking for is if anyone has ideas or knows of easy solutions for apartment dwellers to hook up solar power. Basically I’m completely ignorant to how these systems work entirely. Any guidance is a huge help.

Thank you

David

1975 a Day in the Life…110 Llandaff

by Not Signed In | Entertainment

YEP PRODUCTIONS is presenting 110 LANDAFF. A short film being shot in Brattleboro on September 9th with David Koechner (The Office and Anchor Man) and Paula Pel (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock) playing the parents of Mary Jo Parker played by Cassandra Dunn. The supporting cast is made up of 18 New England Youth Theatre actors.