ML19344A763
| ML19344A763 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Maine Yankee, Crane |
| Issue date: | 08/12/1980 |
| From: | Mitchell G SENATE |
| To: | Ahearne J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8008220168 | |
| Download: ML19344A763 (1) | |
Text
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HELATED COHHCSPONDENCE DOCMET NUP.iBER O ~3 *7 Wg7""
PROD, & UTIL FAC-...=... _ _-_
?JCn&b Sfafes Senafe WASHINGTON. D.C. 20510 91 b-August 12, 1980 coch y
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AUG g9 D > O John F. Ahearne, Chairman F
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1717 H S t., N.W.
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Dear Commissioner Ahearne:
A wire service story of Saturday, August 9, indicated that General Public Utilities Corporation, the parent company of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, suggested the full costs of the Three Mile Island shutdown -- $760 million -- be shared by all the nation's consumers of nuclear-generated electricity.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordered the Maine Yankee plant to close down for safety reasons associated with possible earthquake threats last year, a shutdown which will cost Maine Yankee consumers $20 million.
This cost is being borne by Maine consumers, not by the consumers of Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
I am concerned about the implications of the Corporation's suggestion for sharing the costs of the Three Mile Island shutdown on a nationwide basis.
That implies that Maine's consumers would have to pay, not only for.the lost time and increased costs associated with the plant in their state, but also for the costs associated with the accident in Pennsylvania.
When the Senate considered the 1981 authorization of the Nuclear Re.gulatory Commission, an amendment was unanimously adopted to require a study by the Cocmission and the General Accounting Office of the continued financial viability of the General Public Utilities Corporation, in light cif the costs associated with Three Mile Island.
I hope this study will develop options to deal with the
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financial needs of the Corporation which will not place a burden on non-consumers of its product.
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I would be interested in knowing the Commission's. stand on this cost-sharing proposal, and will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely, q 9. cihD.,I George J. Mitchell United States Senator Cso9 80 0 E2 2 0/r,e 5io G'
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