Governor Hassan Announces Working Group for Vermont Yankee Decommissioning

Press Release

ers, Governor Maggie Hassan announced today that she has formed a working group of state officials to enhance coordination within New Hampshire state government as well as with our neighboring states and the federal government in response to the closure and decommissioning of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station.

The working group, which will be led by Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Perry Plummer, will closely monitor the plans for the closure and decommissioning process in order to ensure that public safety and emergency preparedness remain top priorities; coordinate with our neighboring states to provide assistance to workers; and work with our partners to coordinate the deployment of resources as needed.

"Throughout what will be an ongoing decommissioning process for Vermont Yankee, we will need careful management and effective coordination among a variety of partners in order to ensure that our communities and workers are fully supported and protected," Governor Hassan said. "Our Vermont Yankee Working Group will strengthen our response efforts and help make sure that the proper resources are getting to those in need at the right place and right time. I thank our state officials for working together on this critical effort."

"Representing the New Hampshire communities closest to Vermont Yankee, I have been deeply involved in issues related to the power station since I first entered the Senate," Senator Molly Kelly (District 10) said. "Open communication and coordination between all parties has always been absolutely essential and will continue to be critical moving forward as we seek to help workers and to protect our communities and environment. The development of this inter-agency working group is a welcome announcement, and I look forward to working with the group to support all those affected by the closure."

In addition to Homeland Security and Emergency Management, officials will participate in the working group from the Public Utilities Commission, Governor's Office of Energy and Planning, Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire Employment Security, Department of Resources and Economic Development, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services, Radiological Health Section.

Source