PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AND
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
MEMBERS PRESENT: Public Safety - B. Ryan (Chair), M. Kaplowitz, R. Wishnie
Environment & Health - M. Kaplowitz (Chair), B. Ryan, V. Pinto
LEGISLATORS: C. Young Jr., V. Pinto, J. Alvarado,
T. Abinanti
BOARD STAFF: T. Bernard, P. Neglia, B. Dodds, Program Specialists
S. Vanderberg, C. Ryer, Secretaries
Mr. Ryan called the joint meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Both committees had quorums present.
The purpose of this joint meeting is to conduct a public hearing on two resolutions now before the Board: one, introduced by Mr. Ryan, calling for an independent, non-governmental review of the Indian Point Radiological Emergency Evacuation Plan, and the other, introduced by Mr. Kaplowitz, calling for the closing and decommissioning of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Station.
Approximately 500 were in attendance. Hundreds more downstairs and outside the County Center were unable to be seated in the Little Theater.
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PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
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MARCH 21, 2002
Nearly 90 speakers addressed the Committees. Each speaker was allowed 3 minutes for their statement.
Large majority of speakers commented on the resolution calling for the closing of the nuclear plants.
Speakers in favor of closing the plants pointed to the possibility of terrorist attack and the evacuation plan that will not work.
Speakers opposed to closing the plants – most identifying themselves as employees of Entergy, including Local 1-2 union members - claimed the plants are safe. They say they would be the first to blow the whistle if there were problems with the plants.
Few speakers commented on the resolution calling for an independent, non-governmental review of the radiological emergency preparedness plan. Those that did said that another study of the “evacuation plan” is not needed as it’s already known that the plan won’t work. Also, they oppose spending taxpayer money on such a review.
Other points made by speakers:
· Evacuation zone needs to be expanded
· There is no evacuation plan for NYC which is within the 50 mile radius of Indian Point
· Area highway system is inadequate to handle the traffic volume in an evacuation
· Certain number of bus drivers will not participate in the evacuation
· On 9/11, you couldn’t get near the schools due to parents converging on the schools to pick up their kids
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PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
JT. W/ ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
MARCH 21, 2002
Other points made by speakers (cont.):
· The League of Women Voters position on the safe storage of radioactive waste: put in more secure structures
· Westchester County needs more information from the federal government on the security measures and the military protection in place to protect the plants from attack
· Emergency planning should be funded by Entergy and not by the taxpayer.
Nearly 100 people who signed up to speak were unable to do so as time ran out. The hearing will be extended at a later date to give them an opportunity to be heard by the two Committees.
The public hearing was concluded and the joint meeting adjourned promptly at 10:30 p.m.