Massachusetts Delegation Speaks Out on Pilgrim Decommissioning

The Massachusetts congressional delegation last week called on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to deny any requests for exemptions to security and emergency preparedness requirements at the Pilgrim Station as it transitions to a shutdown site by 2019 until after all spent fuel is removed from the pool. The delegation, led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), wrote the NRC to ensure that the utmost safety regulations remain in place while spent fuel still sits on the site. “We write to request that the Commission ensure that the remaining period during which the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, MA operates receives the utmost attention to safety and security, and that the reactor’s operations are adequately funded by Entergy,” the delegation wrote. “We additionally ask for your assistance with ensuring that the reactor’s subsequent decommissioning occurs quickly, with all needed measures to protect public health and safety, and assistance for the workers whose jobs will be lost when the reactor shuts down.” Entergy announced last week that it would be shutting the Pilgrim plant down at the latest, by 2019, due to economic reasons.