Climate scientists and activists are writing to state policy makers, urging more support for the Millstone nuclear power station. Meanwhile, a bill to assist Connecticut’s only nuclear plant failed this legislative session.
The measure would have allowed Millstone to sell its energy directly to utilities, a move the company said would help stabilize the plant’s finances amid low natural gas prices. The bill died, and while leadership signaled it could be revived in special session, House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz said in a statement Monday he’s hesitant to do that.
“Though it would be premature to say if this is something that could be addressed as part of the special session, I’m reluctant to try to fold in non-budget related legislation to a special session specifically designated to finalizing the state budget,” Aresimowicz said.
In a letter addressed to Governor Dannel Malloy, the group Environmental Progress urged action, saying legislators should assist Millstone because when "nuclear plants close, fossil fuels are the predominant replacement."
The letter was signed by climate scholar and prominent activist James Hansen, a professor at Columbia University -- along with writer and Harvard professor Steven Pinker.
Millstone's owner, Dominion, hasn't said it plans to close the Waterford plant, but in a statement earlier this month wrote it will “continue assessing our investments” in the state.
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