ML12262A013
| ML12262A013 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 09/14/2012 |
| From: | Brett M, Forcina D Westchester County Association |
| To: | Annette Vietti-Cook NRC/SECY/RAS |
| SECY RAS | |
| References | |
| 50-247-LR, 50-286-LR, ASLBP 07-858-03-LR-BD01, RAS E-1050 | |
| Download: ML12262A013 (5) | |
Text
DOCKETED USNRC September 14, 2012 (9:48 a.m.)
OFFICE OF SECRETARY RULEMAKINGS AND September 14, 2012 ADJUDICATIONS STAFF Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 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 Sir or Madam:
I am writing on behalf of the Westchester County Association and our members to express our strong support for the license renewal of Units 2 and 3 at the Indian Point Energy Center, in Buchanan, New York. The continued operation of Indian Point is vital to economic development and the preservation of land values in the region.
Since Indian Point 2 and 3 went into operation, local property values and the associated revenues from property taxes have continued to increase in Westchester County. In fact, the plant contributes $75 million annually in property taxes and revenue sharing with New York State. A large portion of those revenues goes to local school districts, acting as a direct investment in our future. This helps mitigate high property taxes and boosts economic activity.
Indian Point's 2000 megawatts of generation accounts for 30% New York City's electric supply, and 11% of power used statewide. It powers our homes, businesses, and critical transportation, health, and municipal systems. The numerous benefits of Indian Point's continued operation, including electric reliability, affordable power costs, and increased public safety. These factors have contributed to economic growth of the region by attracting new businesses, industries, and people. Westchester County has experienced steady population growth since Indian Point Units 2 and 3 went online nearly 30 years ago, with a nearly 10 percent increase in population size in the last decade alone.
Numerous studies show that without Indian Point, there would be a significant rise in electricity prices in New York and drastic reductions in grid reliability, factors that hurt the bottom lines of all ratepayers. This would no doubt impact thousands of businesses and industries in Westchester County - many of which may be forced to lay off workers; or worse, relocate elsewhere. The consequence of higher energy costs will reduce our ability to keep and expand jobs as well as have serious negative implications for the local tax base and property values.
Given these factors, a shutdown of Indian Point would have significant, long-term impacts on both the public and private sectors in Westchester County: from schools to businesses and public safety services. We encourage the ASLB to diligently consider the many contributions that Indian Point provides to downstate New York and substantial benefits to the local economy and local land values resulting from its continued operation.
Respectfully, cc:
Administrative Judge Lawrence G. McDade c/o Anne Siamacki, 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.siarnacki@nrc.gov
September 14, 2012 Office of the Secretary Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Fax to: (301) 415-1101 Email to: hearing.docket@nrc.gov Re:
Economic Impact of Indian Point Units 2 and 3 License Renewal Application NRC Docket Nos. 50-247-LR and 50-286-LR ASLBP No. o7-858-o3-LR-BDo1
Dear Secretary:
I am Marissa Brett, Executive Director of Economic Development with The Westchester County Association, which represents approximately 500+ companies, ranging from professional/entrepreneurs to multi-national companies with over 300,000 employees in Westchester County. I am writing to urge your board's approval for license renewal of Indian Point Units 2 and 3 in Buchanan, New York. Indian Point Energy Center serves as an economic driver for the communities which surround the plant. It has been and still remains a vital contributor to the region's expanding population and continued rise in local land values.
Energy and economic development are inherently linked. Businesses take electric rates into account when looking at their bottom lines and what their operating expenses are going to be for the next year. High power costs will affect a business' ability to continue operating. Numerous studies show that without Indian Point, there would be a significant rise in electricity prices in New York. Sky-high electricity prices would force many business owners to close or relocate to less expensive areas of the state, or even out of state. Further, according to the New York Independent System Operator, without Indian Point, electric reliability would be degraded to the point that there would likely be brownouts and blackouts. This scenario would place public safety in jeopardy.
Major electric service disruptions and exponential increases in electricity rates would affect my members' bottom lines. It would result in layoffs and a lack of new hires. Some might be forced to relocate their businesses elsewhere. This would result in an exodus of business, residents, and the loss of associated capital would have serious negative implications for the local tax base and on property values.
Indian Point has an annual economic impact of $1 billion on New York State's economy. It plays a significant role in driving economic development and population growth in the region and is vital to the maintenance of land values in communities near the plant. Those values would surely decrease if the facility were closed. I encourage you to renew the license for Indian Point.
Thank you for your time and considering my comments on this issue.
Sincerely, Executive Director of Economic Development 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.siarnacki@nrc.gov
Docket, Hearing From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Dorothy Forcina [DForcina@westchester.org]
Friday, September 14, 2012 9:48 AM Docket, Hearing Siarnacki, Anne NRC Docket Nos. 50-247-LR and 50-286-LR-ASLBP No. 07-858-03-LR-BDO1 Indian Point Support Ltr (1) 092012.pdf; Inian Point Support Ltr (2) 092012.pdf
Dear Secretary Vietti-Cooki:
Please find attached a signed copy of this letter for "Docket Nos. 50-247-LR and 50-286-LR/ASLB No. 07-858-03-LR-BDO1" to you and a carbon copy to Administrative Judge Lawrence G. McDade via Law Clerk Anne Siarnacki. This letter was also faxed to Law Clerk Anne Siarnacki at 301-415-5599 for the NRC matter noted above and in the Subject of this email.
Also, please note that a hard copy of this letter was also placed in the mail to you and a carbon copy was sent to Administrative Judge Lawrence G. McDade via Law Clerk Anne Siarnacki.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Cordially, Dorothy Forcina-Managing Director The Westchester County Association
- 1133 Westchester Avenue Suite S-217 White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 948-5689 dforcina @westchester.org 1