ML12237A244
| ML12237A244 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 08/10/2012 |
| From: | Howell A Howell Petroleum Products |
| To: | Annette Vietti-Cook NRC/SECY/RAS |
| References | |
| 50-247-LR, 50-286-LR, ASLBP 07-858-03-LR-BD01, RAS E-598 | |
| Download: ML12237A244 (3) | |
Text
How<I USTRIES DOCKETED 317A Halsey Street Brooklyn, NY 11216 USNRC 718-453-0770 August 10, 2012 (8:30 a.m.)
RULEMAKINGS AND August 10, 2012 ADJUDICATIONS STAFF Annette Vietti-Cook Secretary of the Commission Office of the Secretary Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Fax to: (301) 415-1101 (verification (301) 415-1966)
Email to: hearing.docket(knrc.gov Re:
Indian Point Units 2 and 3 License Renewal Application NRC Docket Nos. 50-247-LR and 50-286-LR ASLBP No. 07-858-03-LR-BDO1
Dear Secretary Vietti-Cook:
My name is Bill Howell. I am president of Howell Petroleum Products, Inc. and I writing today in support of the Indian Point Energy Center, and the important role this crucial site plays in maintaining the economic health of our region and the state of New York.
It is my understanding that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering numerous issues in connection with the license renewal application, including land and economic values in the area and the potential for alternative energy sources.
In addition to the 2,000 megawatts of affordable, reliable green power - sometimes as much as 30% of this region's energy supply during peak times provided by the Indian Point Energy Center, this facility is also an economic engine for the region.
Indian Point has approximately 1,100 employees and on average has another 200 contractors on site at a time when many other companies are leaving and/or closing. These are high paying, highly skilled jobs with employees who live in the area and thus pay personal and property taxes to support the local economy, schools and government. According to studies by the local chambers of commerce, the operation of the Indian Point Energy Center provides approximately
$1 billion in annual economic activity for the region. The Indian Point Energy Center employs
I many other businesses through the services they buy; thorough the significant taxes paid to support local communities and schools and provides $1.5 million in annual charitable contributions to support regional non-profit organizations.
It is clear that Indian Point supports the local economy and the land values of the region.
As a small business owner, an important factor for me is knowing that I can have a reliable supply of electricity for my business to flourish. From an electric reliability standpoint, Indian Point supplies between 25% and 30% of the electricity for New York City and the lower Westchester County area. The baseload supply of electricity from the plants helps to maintain the reliability of the electric grid.
According to the New York Independent Systems Operator, the closing of Indian Point Energy Center "would cause an immediate violation of reliability standards" if other closing Indian Point will significantly weaken the State's energy grid, and the only generating that will come from its premature closure will be one-way plane and train tickets out the state.
Every day, the demand for affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly power generation increases. Right now, Indian Point energy is the only source that can lay claim to meeting all three of these needs for the lower Hudson Valley region and New York City, making the plant an invaluable partner in this region. How many other sources of around-the-clock power can avoid polluting our air while only occupying 2 square miles of land?
If Indian Point is not relicensed, replacement power will have to come from sources already deemed inadequate to replace Indian Point. Furthermore, studies show that replacing Indian Point's power with fossil-fuel based plants will likely create a rise in carbon dioxide emissions, a 19% jump in nitrous oxide emissions, and an 11% hike in sulfur dioxide emissions.
For the aforementioned reasons, I strongly support the relicensing of the Indian Point Energy Center. Given these times, the state cannot afford the closure of Indian Point and the loss of another major employer and contributor to our regional economy.
Sincerely, Amaziah Howell, President Howell Petroleum Products, Inc.
cc:
Administrative Judge Lawrence G. McDade c/o Anne Siarnacki, Law Clerk Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Mail Stop T-3F23 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Fax to: (301) 415-5599 (verification (301) 415-7550)
Email to: anne.siamackihnrc.gov