ML12271A273

Limited Appearance Statement of Patrick Moore Supporting Indian Point, Units 2 and 3 License Renewal Application

ML12271A273
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	09/10/2012
From:	Moore P New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (NYAREA)
To:	Annette Vietti-Cook NRC/SECY/RAS
SECY RAS
References
50-247-LR, 50-286-LR, ASLBP 07-858-03-LR-BD01, RAS E-1320
Download: ML12271A273 (2)

Text

September 10, 2012 Advisory Board DOCKETED USNRC Arthur J.("Jerry")

Kremer September 28, 2012 (3:00 p.m.)

Advisory Board Chairman Annette Vietti-Cook OFFICE OF SECRETARY Richard T. Anderson Secretary of the Commission RULEMAKINGS AND New York Building Office of the Secretary ADJUDICATIONS STAFF Congress Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff Heather Briccetti U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission The Business Council of Washington, DC 20555-0001 New York State Matthew Cordaro Formerly with the Midwest ISO Re: Indian Point Units 2 and3 License Renewal Application Gavin J.Donohue NRC Docket Nos. 50-24 7-LR and 50-286-LR Independent Power ASLBP No. 07-858-03-LR-BDOI Producersof New York, Inc.

Dr. Marsha Gordon

Dear Secretary Vietti-Cook:

The Business Council of Westchester I am a decades-long environmental advocate, a co-founder and former leader of Denis Hughes Greenpeace, and an advisor to the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New New York State AFL-CIO York AREA). I write to express my support for Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, New Tom Klein York. It is my understanding that the NRC is considering numerous issues in connection with BoilermakersLocal No.5 the application for license renewal of Indian Point Units 2 and 3, including environmental justice concerns and the potential for alternative energy sources.

Norris McDonald African American Environmentalist Indian Point safely and reliably provides 25 percent of downstate New York's power, Association with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, at competitive prices. In fact, nuclear power is one of the cleanest sources of energy and in many countries concerned about pollution and cost this Al Samuels Rockland Business energy resource holds strong appeal. The negative environmental effects.of shutting down Association Indian Point are well-documented in multiple independent studies and reports. All, conclude that replacing the 2,000 megawatts of energy that Indian Point provides with fossil-fueled plants, Bob Seeger such as natural gas or coal, would dramatically increase emissions into the atmosphere and the Millwrights Local 740 surrounding environment.

Kathryn Wylde Partnershipfor A recent report by the energy and environmental consulting firm Charles River New York City Associates determined that replacing Indian Point would result in approximately a 15% increase in carbon emissions and roughly a 7-8% increase in nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions throughout both New York City and State. In order to make up for both the 2069 megawatts of power and the grid support provided by Indian Point, several new natural gas plants would need to be built in and around Westchester County.

The emissions from these plants would further degrade Westchester County's air quality, which consistently has been found in violation of federal standards. While natural gas is cleaner than coal, it still emits large amounts of carbon and nitrous oxides. Carbon dioxide (C02) has been linked to global warming and climate change, while nitrous oxide (NOx) is a key precursor of both ground-level ozone and smog.

114 West 47th Street, Suite 19th Floor

• NewYork, NY 10036

• 212-683-1203

• info@area-alliance.org

• www.area-alliance.org

The Hudson Valley's three existing fossil fuel power plants are among the largest contributors to air pollution in the region. These plants, many of which are located in environmental justice areas, emit soot and other particulate pollution into the air. Exposure to smog is a leading cause of aggravated respiratory illnesses such as asthma, decreased lung function and bronchitis. The American Lung Association estimates that there are 2,290 deaths, 1,580 hospitalizations, 546 asthma-related emergency rooms visits, 1,490 cases of chronic bronchitis, and 46,200 asthma attacks yearly attributable to power plant pollution in the region.

Any reduction in air quality would worsen what is already a serious public health problem.

New York already has a very attractive electricity portfolio, and we should build upon that foundation. Nuclear generators provide 30 percent of the state's electricity, while another 20 percent comes from hydro. Given this, and the widespread use of mass transit in the state, New York has one of the lowest C02 per capita ratios in the country. New York's six nuclear power plants provide 30 percent of the state's electricity. As these are base load facilities which operate 24/7, renewable power from intermittent sources like wind can supplement this generation, however Indian Point is a crucial base load power provider, supports the electric grid, and ensures reliability throughout the region.

Indian Point is essential to protecting air quality, the environment, and the lives of individuals who live in designated environmental justice areas. Its continued operation ensures that we continue to have enough power to support our growing demand for electricity in New York while also keeping our air clean. For these reasons, I urge you to renew the operating licenses for Indian Point Units 2 and 3.

Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

Sincerely, Dr. Patrick Moore Advisor, NY AREA 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