ML24212A145

Comment (81) of Barney Quinn on Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC, and Holtec Palisades, LLC; Palisades Nuclear Plant; Notice of Intent to Conduct Scoping Process and Prepare an Environmental Assessment

ML24212A145
Person / Time
Site:	Palisades
Issue date:	07/29/2024
From:	Quinn B - No Known Affiliation
To:	Office of Administration
References
NRC-2024-0076, 89FR53659 00081
Download: ML24212A145 (1)

Text

7/30/24, 8:56 AM blob:https://www.fdms.gov/202cdc53-b12b-4588-9e08-8e717425b931

SUNSI Review Complete As of: 7/30/24, 8:56 AM Template=ADM-013 Received: July 29, 2024 E-RIDS=ADM-03 PUBLIC SUBMISSIONADD: Laura Willingham, Status: Pending_Post Mary Richmond, Antoinette Tracking No. lz7-h3f7-qmey Walker-Smith, Marlayna Doell, Mary Neely Comments Due: July 29, 2024 Comment (81) Submission Type: API

Publication Date:6/27/2024 Docket: NRC-2024-0076 Citation: 89 FR 53659 Notice of Intent to Conduct Scoping Process and Prepare an Environmental Assessment Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC and Holtec Palisades, LLC; Palisades Nuclear Plant, Unit 1

Comment On: NRC-2024-0076-0001 Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC, and Holtec Palisades, LLC; Palisades Nuclear Plant; Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping Process and Prepare an Environmental Assessment

Document: NRC-2024-0076-DRAFT-0081 Comment on FR Doc # 2024-14112

Submitter Information

Name: Barney Quinn Address:

Covert, MI, Email: fbquinn1@gmail.com

General Comment

Subject:

Opposition to Restarting the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant

Dear Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. The plants history of significant issues and safety violations is deeply concerning. Since its opening in 1971, Palisades has faced numerous problems, culminating in its classification as the worst-performing reactor in the nation in 2012. The plant was permanently shut down in May 2022, earlier than planned, due to a critical control rod failure.

The NRC itself has previously identified Palisades as one of the four worst-performing plants in the country. Given this track record, it is alarming to consider using state funds to revive a facility that has already been deemed unsafe and outdated by private companies.

Holtec International, the company seeking to restart Palisades, has a poor track record and lacks experience in operating nuclear reactors. Their expertise lies in decommissioning plants, not running them. This raises serious concerns about their ability to safely manage the plant.

Nuclear energy is inherently risky, slow, and expensive. Instead of investing in this outdated technology, our state should focus on cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective energy solutions. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, combined with energy efficiency programs, offer a more sustainable path forward. These alternatives not only provide reliable power but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The environmental risks associated with restarting Palisades cannot be ignored. Rising Great Lakes water levels, storm surges, and heavy rainfall pose significant threats to the safety of nuclear plants storing waste along our waterways. The costs of making these plants climate-resilient are substantial and should prompt a reevaluation of nuclear energys role in our states energy strategy.

blob:https://www.fdms.gov/202cdc53-b12b-4588-9e08-8e717425b931 1/2 7/30/24, 8:56 AM blob:https  ://www.fdms .gov /202c dc 53-b12b-4588-9e08-8e717425b931 Independent studies, including the World Nuclear Industry Status Report, have shown that nuclear ener gy does not meet any technical or operational needs that cannot be better addressed by low-carbon competitors. Investing in nuclear ener gy is a waste of taxpayer money that could be better spent on more innovative and ef fective solutions.

Our state should prioritize:

Expanding transmission capacity; Investing in lar ge-scale solar and wind ener gy installations; Developing ener gy storage solutions to stabilize the grid; Enhancing ener gy ef ficiency and demand response programs; Removing barriers to distributed and community-owned ener gy generation.

By focusing on these areas, we can meet our ener gy needs without the risks and high costs associated with nuclear power . I ur ge the NRC to reconsider the decision to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant and instead support a transition to cleaner , safer, and more sustainable ener gy sources.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

Sincerely ,

Barney Quinn

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