ML11221A113
| ML11221A113 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Pilgrim |
| Issue date: | 07/27/2011 |
| From: | Afonso P New England Energy Alliance |
| To: | Apostolakis G, Jaczko G, Magwood W, Ostendorff W, Kristine Svinicki NRC/Chairman, NRC/OCM |
| References | |
| LTR-11-0463 | |
| Download: ML11221A113 (3) | |
Text
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed, Aug 05, 20)1 13:23 PAPER NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICE:
AUTHOR:
AFFILIATION:
ADDRESSEE:
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
DISTRIBUTION:
LETTER DATE:
ACKNOWLEDGED SPECIAL HANDLING:
NOTES:
FILE LOCATION:
LTR-] 1-0463 LOGGING DATE: 08/04/2011 0T6'e. o Paul Afonso MA Gregory Jaczko Pilgrim nuclear station license renewal C £ EDO DEDMRT DEDR DEDCM AO Appropriate RF 07/27/2011 No ADAMS DATE DUE:
DATE SIGNED:
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NEW ENGLAND ENERGYALLIANCE July 27, 2011 Gregory B. Jaczko, Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Kristine L. Svinicki, Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 George Apostolakis, Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 William D. Magwood, IV, Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 William C. Ostendorff, Commissioner U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
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Dear Chairman Jaczko:
r The New England Energy Alliance was established to advocate for informed decision making and timely action on energy infrastructure projects considered vital to the region's economic well being. While its membership is diverse, all share a common concern about the adequacy of the region's energy infrastructure to ensure affordable and reliable electricity.
The.Pilgrim Nuclegr,ý aniion (;erenyal proceeding - which has lasted ioire man'rive years is* among the projects considered by the Alliance to deserve timely action.
Wilet t*e Alliance does not advocate for specific infrastructure projects, it believes the need for 0tce6ar energy in the reglon is compqlling, and the NRC nuclear plant relicensing process to be thorough and reflehtive of the need to balance careful consideration to environmental, safety, design and operational issues.
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Although the Alliance has not conducted an independent review of the proposed plant relicensing application and subsequent NRC review, it is aware that NRC staff has concluded, most recently in a Supplemental Safety Evaluation Report, that Pilgrim can safely operate for an additional twenty years.
Specifically, on July 19, 2011, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board issued a decision resolving the last admitted contention that remained before it. Accordingly, if all issues admitted for hearing have been resolved in favor of issuance of the renewed license and the NRC Staff has made the requisite safety and environmental findings on all other uncontested issues necessary for license renewable, the Alliance urges prompt issuance of a renewed operating license for Pilgrim.
Pilgrim is one of five New England nuclear energy plants that are the "backbone" of the region's electricity grid - providing reliable, base-load capacity. Because of their low operating costs, nuclear energy plants generate electricity economically - which is important in a region that has some of the highest electricity rates in the country.
In addition, Pilgrim's continued safe operation would maintain a significant positive economic impact on southeastern Massachusetts, while supplying nearly 10% of the Commonwealth's electricity needs.
The Alliance advocates for projects to be fairly and expeditiously judged on merit and ability to comply with regulatory requirements. If the NRC has determined that Pilgrim will continue to comply with all' NRC safety standards and regulation upon license renewal, then the Alliance urges its renewed operating license be issued without delay.
I appreciate your consideration and continued transparency of this important matter.
Sincerely, 7Pa IG.
New England En y Alliance 77 Franklin Street, Suite 507 Boston, MA 02110 617-574-9286