What Can You Do About Indian Point?

Paul Gallay, the Exectuive Director of Riverkeeper was invited to speak at the Scarsdale League of Women Voter’s luncheon on Friday May 13th and he knew what was on people’s mind: Indian Point. In Germany, the use of nuclear power is being phased out and Japan announced that they would not build any more nuclear power plants. But what is being done in the U.S.?

Could what happened in Japan happen here? And what can Westchester County residents do to ensure our safety?

First he encouraged everyone to use energy wisely. With competition for energy resources growing nationally and internationally he told the group to do an analysis of their own homes and make changes to increase conservation.

Second he outlined why Indian Point posed the highest danger of any nuclear reactor in the United States and urged the audience to get involved.

There is currently no evacuation plan for those living within a 50 mile radius of the reactor and radiation from a spill would extend far beyond 10

miles and remain a risk for many years due to the long half life. Gallay claimed that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is in the pocket of the nuclear power industry and has been lax in enforcing standards. In fact, Indian Point owner Entergy has received many exemptions from the NRC’s fire regulations leaving residents at further risk. Furthermore, Riverkeeper contends that plants in the U.S. are inadequately guarded against terrorism or sabotage and though a study by Columbia University shows that the area around Indian Point is susceptible to a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, the plant was only built to withstand a 6.1 earthquake.

Last, he relayed that the plant is up for a renewal of its license this fall. A hearing on the relicensing is scheduled for June 2nd in Cortlandt Manor. Gallay urged everyone to come and voice their concerns.

An audience member asked how we would meet our energy needs if the plant was shut down and Gallay argued that energy conservation measures could eliminate the need for 80-90% of the energy we get from Indian Point. The cost to local residents of the plant closure would be about $68 more per year for power for the average area household.

Gallay also spoke to the group about the dangers of fracking. You can learn more about both issues on the Riverkeeper website at www.riverkeeper.org.

He ended by telling the attendees to “Never doubt the ability of a small group of individuals to change the world. Indeed they are the only ones that ever have.”

The luncheon was well attended and a surge of last minute guests had the staff at Scarsdale Golf Club rushing to add tables. On hand was State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, County Legislator Bill Ryan, former Mayor Mayor Carolyn Stevens, Acting Village Justice Arlene Spitzer, School Board President Jill Spieler and a host of past League Presidents. Gallay was introduced by Scarsdale’s Debra Lagapa, a member of the Board of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. She credited Paul with devoting “more than 25 years of his life to protecting the environment and supporting local communities as a non-profit executive, public official and educator.

Lead by President Jane Veron and a dynamic League Board, the Scarsdale League of Women Voters presented an informative and timely event. To learn more about the League, visit their website.