ML091680295

Comment (26) of Ron C Forehand on Behalf of Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Supporting Indian Point Relicensing Application

ML091680295
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	03/10/2009
From:	Forehand R Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce
To:	Collins S Region 1 Administrator
References
73FR80440 00026
Download: ML091680295 (1)

Text

9142851204 12:44:32 03-11-2009 1/1 03/10/2009 ,

Mr. Samuel J, Collins Regional Administrator ....

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Region I i ,.

475 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406-1415 ._C

Dear Mr. Collins:

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Is northern Westchester and Putnam County's leading business association and encompasses Indian Point. We own a building in downtown Peekskill. As such we understand how important clean, affordable and reliable sources of energy are to a strong and vibrant economy. This is why we support the relicensing of Indian Point and encourage an expedited process for final review of Indian Point's application.

Our proximity to Indian Point also makes us acutely aware of how important the safety of the plant is. The employees who run the plant safely and efficiently should be commended, as should the local officials and federal regulators who oversee its operations, On the economic side, the continued operation of Indian Point is vital to this region. Westchester residents already pay more than twice the national average per kilowatt hour on their electric bill. If Indian Point were to be shut down, these prices Would rise dramatically more. In the current economic climate, the lower Hudson Valley cannot afford to do anything that would push away residents or businesses. I can assure you that as the cost of energy and conducting business increase, the more this region will lose vital economic output.

The environmental implications of losing Indian Point are equally compelling. Replacing Indian Point's power would require four to five fossil fuel burning plants and would, according to a study by the National Academy of Sciences, cause a 20 percent increase in regional carbon dioxide emissions. In this era of global warming and environmental concerns this is not an option for downstate New York - either environmentally or economically.

Entergy, the owners and operators of Indian Point have invested and continue to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the plant and also set an excellent standard as a good neighbor to the, local community as well as all of Westchester. Their tax dollars and contributions pay for many of the public services northern Westchester residents have become accustomed to like our superb schools and emergency response agencies.

As the NRC reviews the environmental impact of the continued operation of the plant, I implore you to factor the very important, major benefits, Indian Point provides our region. Safe energy, Jobs at a time when they are really needed

- good jobsI Sincerely yours, Ron C Forehand, Sr President and CEO Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce 6_Z7L