Dear Editor:
It is clear Vermont needs strong leadership if we are to achieve an energy portfolio that provides clean, reliable and affordable power.
It was surprising to read our Senate President Pro Tem Shumlin’s piece in the Free Press on May 3 ("My Turn: Tackling climate change requires
courage"). Refusing to acknowledge that nuclear power could play any part in our economic and environmental futures may be politically correct but it ignores the reality of our situation. Given the urgency of global warming which Senator Shumlin truly recognizes, nuclear power does seem to bridge an environmental and economic progress gap without pumping tens of thousands of tons of toxins into the atmosphere. I freely admit that the waste storage issue has not been solved, but there is currently no better option if our society is to be competitive and progress in a global market.
Renewable energy sources like wind, hydro and solar clearly need to be incorporated immediately into our energy mix and efficiency measures must be embraced. None of these can provide the constant supply of electricity that we will need in the interim. Top down regulatory reform that will streamline the process for renewables should be a priority for our legislators. Just imagine how long it would take get a permit in Vermont for any of these options on a scale that is efficient and cost effective.
Leadership must emerge that is willing to support reform measures and not discount our need for continuing reliable supplies including hydro and nuclear.
It is also wrong and unfair to pin the funding for the efficiency expansion on Vermont Yankee. Instead of taxing Vermont Yankee $37 million, we need to be talking about renewing our contracts with Hydro Quebec and re-licensing Vermont Yankee or Vermont will be at a huge disadvantage economically and environmentally. Not facing these issues will leave us no choice but to purchase coal, oil, gas or wood fueled energy which may exacerbate pollution and global warming at a cost that is unpalatable for business and residence customers alike.
Sincerely,
Staige Davis
Member and former Chair of the Vermont Business Roundtable.
