NRC will ignore impact of climate change in license extension hearing for Turkey Point
WASHINGTON – A Nuclear Regulatory Commission Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has accepted contentions filed by environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, who oppose to the proposed license extension of the Turkey Point nuclear reactors near Miami, Florida. However, the Board rejected the groups’ demand that a proper assessment be made of potential climate change impacts on the reactors. Such an assessment is necessary because the reactors will likely be subjected to major storms, sea level raise, and cooling water problems in the coming decades.
Damon Moglen, advisor to Friends of the Earth and an expert on nuclear issues, issued the following statement in response:
The outdated reactors at Turkey Point are at the epicenter of the climate crisis. Rising seas and major hurricanes will wreak havoc on Turkey Point and endanger millions of lives in south Florida.
The board’s refusal to examine the impact of climate change on this facility is dangerous and disappointing. Unfortunately, it appears that the NRC is more concerned about the well-being of the nuclear industry than they are about the threat posed to the public.
Contact: Erin Jensen, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]