The VPR News Trail: Vermont Yankee

Thursday, 01/28/10 8am

AP Photo/Vermont Yankee Corporation,File

VPR covers the issues surrounding the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant: relicensing, closure and clean-up, political questions, environmental concerns, and more.

vermont yankee

Attorney General Consults DC Law Firm On VY Appeal Friday, 02/10/12 7:04am - VPR News Attorney General Bill Sorrell is consulting with a Washington, DC law firm as he weighs whether to appeal the state's loss in the recent Vermont Yankee case.
In Franklin County, Radioactive Material Found In Fish Tuesday, 02/07/12 5:50pm - VPR News The health department says it's found trace levels of radioactive material in fish taken from a northern lake.
Yankee Critics Want State To Start Over On Permit Process Friday, 02/03/12 6:06am - VPR News A group critical of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is telling state utility regulators they need to start over on their review of a 20-year extension of the reactor's state permit.
Shumlin Wants PSB To Take Additional Testimony In Yankee Case Wednesday, 02/01/12 5:04pm - VPR News Governor Peter Shumlin says he hopes the Vermont Public Service Board will take additional testimony before deciding the fate of Vermont Yankee's request to extend its operating license for another 20 years.
VPR Newscast for Tuesday 1/31/12 at 5:50pm Tuesday, 01/31/12 5:50pm - VPR News VPR Newscast for Tuesday 1/31/12 at 5:50pm
Vermont Yankee Refuses State's Request To Test For Radioactive Tritium Friday, 01/27/12 12:04pm - VPR News Vermont had asked Entergy Vermont Yankee to test for radioactive tritium in a former drinking water well at the plant grounds in Vernon. But Entergy said that would require drawing significant quantities of water from the well.
Shumlin Still Mulling Over Appeal Of Vermont Yankee Ruling Wednesday, 01/25/12 5:04pm - VPR News Governor Peter Shumlin says he's still trying to decide if the state should appeal a federal court ruling that allows the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to keep operating.
Law School To Hold Forum On VT Yankee Ruling Tuesday, 01/24/12 6:06am - VPR News The implications of a federal court ruling over the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will be the topic of a forum at the Vermont Law School.
VPR Newscast for Monday 1/23/12 at 5:50pm Monday, 01/23/12 5:50pm - VPR News VPR Newscast for Monday 1/23/12 at 5:50pm
Vt. Lawmakers Continue To Weigh Options After Vermont Yankee Decision Monday, 01/23/12 5:50pm - VPR News The Vermont Legislature wanted to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant plant in March, when its current license expires. But U.S. District Judge Garvan Murtha ruled that the Legislature does not have that authority.
VPR Newscast for Friday 1/20/12 at 5:50pm Friday, 01/20/12 5:50pm - VPR News VPR Newscast for Friday 1/20/12 at 5:50pm
Despite Entergy's Court Win, Yankee Still Needs State Permit Friday, 01/20/12 5:50pm - VPR News Despite a big win in federal court, Entergy Vermont Yankee still needs permission from state utility regulators to operate for another 20 years. The next move for Vermont Yankee will likely take place before the Public Service Board.
Legal Expert Says State Should Consider Appeal Friday, 01/20/12 7:50am - VPR News Entergy Nuclear won its lawsuit against the state over continued operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Vermont Law School Professor Pat Parenteau says the state should consider an appeal to the ruling.
After Ruling, Legislative Leaders Look To Public Service Board For VY Decision Friday, 01/20/12 7:34am - VPR News A federal judge has ruled in favor of Entergy Vermont Yankee in its lawsuit over the continued operation of the Vermont's only nuclear power plant. The ruling effectively means the state cannot force the plant in Vernon to shut down in March, as Governor Peter Shumlin wants to do.
VPR Newscast for 1/19/12 at 5:50pm Thursday, 01/19/12 5:50pm - VPR News VPR Newscast for 1/19/12 at 5:50pm
Judge Says Federal Law Pre-empts State's Effort To Close Yankee Thursday, 01/19/12 4:20pm - VPR News A federal judge ruled in favor of Entergy Nuclear on Thursday in its lawsuit over the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant. DOCUMENT: Judge Garvan Murtha's Decision
Nuclear Watchdog Group: 'We Told You So' On Towers Saturday, 01/14/12 6:45pm - VPR News A nuclear watchdog group is reacting to a suit by Vermont utilities over failures of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's cooling towers by saying they warned of just such problems.
Analysis: Energy Issues In Vermont Friday, 01/13/12 12:44pm - VPR News VPR's John Dillon analyzes energy issues facing the state including the CVPS/Green Mountain Power suit against Vermont Yankee and the nuclear power plant's lawsuit against the state.
Reactions To Shumlin's Budget Plan Friday, 01/13/12 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Lawmakers share their thoughts on Governor Shumlin's budget address, VPR's John Dillon provides analysis of energy issue facing the state and we listen back to the voice in the news this week.
VPR Newscast Tuesday, 01/10/12 5:50pm - VPR News VPR Newscast for Tuesday 1/10 at 5:50pm
GMP, CVPS Sue Entergy Over Yankee's Tower Failures Tuesday, 01/10/12 10:59am - VPR News Vermont's two largest electric utilities have sued Entergy-Vermont Yankee over cooling tower failures at the nuclear power plant more than four years ago.
Vt. Yankee: Radioactive Tritium That Reached Connecticut River Poses No Public Threat Wednesday, 12/21/11 5:04pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee has confirmed that radioactive tritium has reached the Connecticut River from its site in Vernon. The material was first discovered leaking into groundwater two years ago, and the nuclear power plant says that the levels are well below those set for drinking water.
NRC To Review Vermont Yankee Repair Mistake Tuesday, 12/06/11 6:06am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it plans to review an incident at Vermont Yankee in which both backup diesel generators were not operating at the same time.
New York Asks To Be Heard In Yankee Suit Thursday, 12/01/11 6:06am - VPR News The state of New York is asking to be heard in Vermont's lawsuit against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's issuance of a 20-year license extension to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Documents Show Heavy Entergy Lobbying Monday, 11/07/11 11:13am - VPR News Government documents show that Entergy Corp. heavily lobbied multiple federal agencies last spring as it pleaded with them unsuccessfully to join its lawsuit against the state of Vermont's efforts to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Vermont Yankee Back Online After Outage Friday, 11/04/11 6:06am - VPR News Vermont Yankee is generating electricity again. The nuclear power plant was off line for 25 days while it was refueled. Maintenance was also done during the outage.
Vermont Yankee Returns To Full Power Monday, 10/03/11 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is headed back to full power after technicians fixed a problem that disabled a water pump.
Faulty Pump Keeps Vermont Yankee Below Full Power Saturday, 10/01/11 9:34am - VPR News Plant officials hope to make repairs to a failed reactor pump in the coming weeks, but industry observers say that more costly work will be postponed until the future of the plant is more certain.
Entergy Asks Court To Limit Reasons For Vermont Denial Wednesday, 09/28/11 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's owners are asking a federal court to sharply limit the reasons Vermont could point to for denying the plant the state license it needs to operate for another 20 years.
Vermont Yankee Reduces Power After Pump Fails Tuesday, 09/27/11 6:06am - VPR News Officials at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant say they are working to repair a pump motor that failed, forcing the plant to reduce power and reconfigure its operations in order to avoid shutting down.
Vermont Yankee Office Fire Called Suspicious, Under Investigation Tuesday, 09/20/11 2:15pm - VPR News Fire officials and a spokesman for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant say a fire this morning at its corporate office in Brattleboro is suspicious.
Voices In The Week's News: September 16, 2011 Friday, 09/16/11 12:52pm and 7:52pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
Three-Day Vermont Yankee Trial Ends Thursday, 09/15/11 8:50am - VPR News Lawyers for Vermont's only nuclear plant and attorneys for Vermont made their final oral arguments Wednesday, ending a three-day trial in Federal Court in Brattleboro.
Lawyers Wrap Up Vermont Yankee Case In Federal Court Wednesday, 09/14/11 5:50pm - VPR News Lawyers for Vermont's only nuclear plant and attorneys for Vermont made their final arguments Wednesday, ending a three-day trial in federal court in Brattleboro. The case is focusing on states' rights to regulate nuclear power.
Oral Arguments To End Today In Vermont Yankee Trial Wednesday, 09/14/11 7:36am - VPR News Oral arguments end today in the three day federal court battle between Entergy Vermont Yankee and the state. Entergy claims Vermont had no right to deny the power plant a 20 year extension. On Tuesday Vermont House Speaker Shap Smith and a former Entergy vice president took the stand.
Speaker Shap Smith Takes Stand In Yankee Trial Tuesday, 09/13/11 5:50pm - VPR News House Speaker Shap Smith was among the witnesses today at the trial continued on Vermont Yankee's lawsuit against the state.
Vermont, Entergy Lay Out Arguments In Court Case Monday, 09/12/11 5:50pm - VPR News Lawyers made their opening arguments Monday morning as the trial got under way in Entergy Vermont Yankee's lawsuit against the state. Entergy is challenging the state's authority to determine whether the plant can continue to operate beyond next March.
Trial Gets Under Way In Entergy's Lawsuit Against Vt. Monday, 09/12/11 12:04pm - VPR News Lawyers made their opening arguments this morning as the trial got under way in Entergy Vermont Yankee's lawsuit against the state.
Voices In The Week's News: August 19, 2011 Friday, 08/19/11 12:50pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
New Hampshire Steps Up Tritium Testing Near VY Friday, 08/19/11 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire public health officials say they'll conduct additional testing of the Connecticut River in the wake of the discovery of radioactive tritium there.
Vermont Yankee Questions Tritium Findings Thursday, 08/18/11 5:50pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee disputes state test results that show radioactive tritium has been found on the banks of the Connecticut River. But some say the discovery of any tritium in the river is noteworthy. Earlier: Tritium Found In Well
House Speaker May Be Called To Testify In State, VY Lawsuit Thursday, 08/18/11 7:34am - VPR News A trial is scheduled next month in Entergy Vermont Yankee's lawsuit challenging the state's authority over nuclear power. Among the witnesses who may be called to testify is Speaker of the House Shap Smith.
State Says Tritium Found On Conn. River Shoreline Wednesday, 08/17/11 5:27pm and Thursday, 08/18/11 6:34am - VPR News Vermont Health officials say radioactive tritium has been detected for the first time on the shoreline of the Connecticut River near the Vermont Yankee plant.
NRC Says Entergy Must Make Decommissioning Payment Thursday, 08/11/11 6:06am - VPR News The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant must make a scheduled $40 million payment to the plant's decommissioning fund despite a 20-year federal license extension given to the Vernon reactor.
Report Says VY Had Past Radioactive Releases Friday, 08/05/11 6:06am - VPR News Vermont Yankee nuclear plant officials insists there's no evidence linking it to radioactive strontium-90 found in fish samples taken in 2010 from the nearby Connecticut River.
Shumlin Criticized Over Remarks On Connecticut River Fish Friday, 08/05/11 6:06am - VPR News Some Vermont Republicans are criticizing Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin for saying he wouldn't eat fish caught in the Connecticut River near the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Shumlin, Health Commissioner Differ On Fish Threat Wednesday, 08/03/11 5:50pm - VPR News Governor Peter Shumlin and the state health commissioner offered differing views on Wednesday about eating fish caught near the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The governor's comments came as the state launched an aggressive monitoring and testing program to pinpoint the source of radioactive material found in fish in the Connecticut River.
Health Department Says Strontium-90 Found In Conn. River Fish Tuesday, 08/02/11 2:41pm - VPR News The Vermont Health Department says the radioactive substance strontium-90 has been detected in the flesh of a fish north of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Vernon Plans For Uncertain Future Thursday, 07/28/11 7:34am - VPR News In Vernon, these are uncertain times. The town stands to lose half its tax base -- and much more -- if the state wins its court battle to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant this spring. Most of Vernon hopes the plant will stay open. But the town has little say in that, or any of the looming decisions certain to affect its future.
Grid Manager Says Yankee Power Provides Value Tuesday, 07/26/11 6:06am - VPR News Entergy intends to buy a new supply of nuclear fuel to power Vermont Yankee. The company's board of directors voted to spend the $60 million needed to refuel the plant, even though its future is uncertain.
Entergy’s Board Approves Yankee Re-fueling Monday, 07/25/11 9:39am - VPR News Vermont Yankee nuclear officials say its parent company's board of directors has approved refueling the nuclear power plant.
Shumlin Says No Need For Special Vermont Yankee Session Friday, 07/22/11 6:06am - VPR News Governor Peter Shumlin says there's no need for a special session of the Legislature to clarify the state's position on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Preparations Begin For Vermont Yankee Lawsuit Thursday, 07/21/11 7:34am - VPR News Lawyers for Entergy and the attorney general are preparing for a federal lawsuit next month that will determine the state's role in the future operation of Vermont Yankee.
Attorney General Bill Sorrell Wednesday, 07/20/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell addresses the recent ruling by Judge Murtha and other issues facing his office, we learn who Bruce Springsteen was singing about in his 1984 hit "Glory Days" and we return to Summer School to learn how to whittle.
Vermont Law Professors Weigh In On VY Ruling Wednesday, 07/20/11 6:06am - VPR News Two professors at the Vermont Law School say Vermont Yankee's owners are likely to prevail in their suit against the state, even though their request for a preliminary order blocking the state's bid to close the reactor was rejected.
September Trial Will Have To Determine Yankee Future Tuesday, 07/19/11 12:04pm - VPR News A decision on the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant will have to wait for a federal court trial in September. U.S. District Court Judge Garvan Murtha refused Entergy Nuclear's request to suspend a state law that gives the Legislature veto authority over the plant's continued operation.
Vermont Wins First Round In Yankee Legal Battle Monday, 07/18/11 5:04pm and Tuesday, 07/19/11 6:34am - VPR News A federal judge has refused to suspend Vermont's law that gives the Legislature veto power over whether Vermont Yankee can continue to operate. VPR Coverage: Vermont Yankee Earlier: NRC Recommends Safety Upgrades
NRC Recommends Safety Upgrades Friday, 07/15/11 7:34am - VPR News A federal review prompted by the recent Japanese nuclear disaster recommends that plants such as Vermont Yankee adopt new safety upgrades. Vermont Yankee says it doesn't yet know how much the changes will cost.
AG: Yankee Failed To Meet Standards, But Won't Face Charges Wednesday, 07/06/11 11:13am - VPR News Vermont Yankee and its staff won't face charges for misleading the state about whether underground pipes at the plant carried nuclear material. VPR Archive: Officials Study Re-locating VT Yankee Pipe
Sanders Blocks NRC Confirmation Wednesday, 06/29/11 7:04am - VPR News Sanders says the NRC is inappropriately taking steps to extend the license of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Entergy: Nuclear Regulation Is Federal Gov't Domain Thursday, 06/23/11 3:43pm - VPR News In the first day of a case that could decide whether a state can deny the license extension of an operating nuclear power plant, an attorney for the Entergy Corporation said Thursday that jurisdiction should fall to federal regulators.
Court Hearing Gets Under Way On Vermont Yankee Future Thursday, 06/23/11 6:06am - VPR News The owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will ask a federal judge to block the state's efforts to close the Vernon reactor when its current license expires in March.
Vermont Yankee Plant Closure Urged At Safety Meeting Thursday, 06/23/11 6:06am - VPR News A number of Vermont residents called for the closure of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant during a public meeting with federal regulators on the plant's safety.
Court Hearing Considers Central Issue Of Yankee Lawsuit Wednesday, 06/22/11 5:50pm and Thursday, 06/23/11 6:34am - VPR News A ruling in a court hearing this week in Brattleboro will likely provide a clear indication of the outcome of a lawsuit involving the state and the owners of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant.
Entergy Vs. The State Of Vermont Wednesday, 06/22/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Vermont Law School professors Pat Parenteau and Don Kreis break down the upcoming trial initiated by Entergy to keep Vermont Yankee operating beyond March 2012, State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso updates us on a measles alert and we head to Summer School for a lesson in playing the banjo.
Sanders Says AP Raised Serious Nuclear Safety Issues Wednesday, 06/22/11 6:06am - VPR News Sen. Bernie Sanders says The Associated Press raised disturbing allegations about the safety of aging U.S. nuclear power plants and wants Vermont's Yankee facility shut down.
NRC Officials Review Vermont Yankee Safety Wednesday, 06/22/11 6:06am - VPR News Officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be in Brattleboro for a public hearing on the agency's annual review of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant tonight.
Nuclear Critic Urges Civility At Yankee Briefing Tuesday, 06/21/11 5:50pm and Wednesday, 06/22/11 6:34am - VPR News A veteran critic of the nuclear industry is urging opponents of Vermont Yankee to practice civility when federal regulators brief the public this week. The anti-nuclear activist also wants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be more open about the potential problems facing Vermont's only nuclear power plant.
Court Hearing Set On Vermont Yankee Suit Monday, 06/20/11 9:54am - VPR News A federal judge is set to preside over a two-day hearing in the suit by Entergy Corp. against the state of Vermont over the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Sanders Says NRC Wants To Side With Entergy In Lawsuit Thursday, 06/16/11 12:04pm - VPR News Senator Bernie Sanders says federal regulators are taking the side of a nuclear power company in its legal dispute with the state of Vermont.
Massachusetts Joins VT Fight Against Federal Pre-emption Tuesday, 06/14/11 6:06am - VPR News Massachusetts backs Vermont's assertion that it is not pre-empted by federal law from closing the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The Commonwealth says it wants to defend its own laws regulating reactors, and Vermont's should stand as well.
Anti-Nuclear Group Posts Hazard Signs Near Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 06/08/11 7:04am - VPR News A group of antinuclear activists hung nuclear hazard signs Tuesday along key escape routes within Vermont Yankee's ten-mile evacuation zone.
Massachusetts To Join VT In Yankee Lawsuit Friday, 05/27/11 7:34am - VPR News The state of Massachusetts will join Vermont in defending the state's right to stop the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant from operating after next year.
State Backs Activists In Challenging Vermont Yankee License Wednesday, 05/25/11 7:34am - VPR News The state of Vermont has joined anti-nuclear activists in a legal challenge to Vermont Yankee's new 20-year operating license. The state says the Nuclear Regulatory Commission skipped a step when it issued the license extension in March.
Vt. Utility Signs Deal With N.H. Nuclear Plant Tuesday, 05/24/11 10:30am - VPR News Vermont's second largest utility says it will buy 20 percent of its power needs from a nuclear power plant in New Hampshire. The new contract will replace one that's about to expire with Vermont Yankee.
Judge Denies Request By Anti-Nuclear Group Friday, 05/20/11 6:34am - VPR News A federal judge in Brattleboro has denied a request by the antinuclear group New England Coalition to be a party in the lawsuit filed against the state filed by Entergy Vermont Yankee.
Two Groups Seek To Intervene In Vermont Yankee Suit Friday, 05/13/11 5:50pm - VPR News Two more groups have filed court papers seeking to intervene on behalf of Vermont in a civil suit brought by the owners of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Vermont Yankee Court Case Under Way Wednesday, 05/11/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition The court case over the continued operation of Vermont Yankee has begun, with the first hearing held last week behind closed doors. VPR's John Dillon and Rutland Herald reporter Susan Smallheer discuss the lawsuit and other Vermont Yankee news.
June Hearing Set For Vermont Yankee Case Friday, 05/06/11 6:06am - VPR News A court case over whether Vermont has the authority to close down the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant next year is off to a secretive start.
Legislature Wants Entergy To Pay State’s Legal Bills Wednesday, 05/04/11 7:34am - VPR News Later this week, a federal judge will hold the first hearing in Entergy Vermont Yankee's legal challenge against the state of Vermont. The litigation may take years to resolve and is likely to be very expensive. But now the legislature plans to make Entergy pay the state's legal bills.
NRC Won’t Intervene In Yankee Lawsuit Tuesday, 04/26/11 7:34am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it won't intervene in the lawsuit against the state over the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee plant. Yankee owner Entergy wants a court to rule that only the federal government has the right to control Yankee's future operation. But the NRC says Vermont has a regulatory role as well.
Vermont Yankee Owners Seek Injunction Saturday, 04/23/11 9:35am - VPR News Entergy seeks an injunction to maintain the status quo until the courts determine whether the state can legally force Vermont Yankee to close.
Governor Peter Shumlin Friday, 04/22/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Governor Peter Shumlin provides his take on the key bills and issues facing the state as the legislature enters its final weeks.
Vermont Yankee Owner Appeals To Public In Newspaper Ads Wednesday, 04/20/11 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is suing the state of Vermont in a bid to stay open past next year, and now is taking its case to newspaper readers.
Analysis: Legal Basis For Entergy's Suit Tuesday, 04/19/11 12:44pm - VPR News A long-anticipated lawsuit announced yesterday by Entergy, which owns the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, contests the role the state says it has in determining the plant's future. VPR's John Dillon talks with VPR's Jane Lindholm about the legal issues at stake, and the practical implications for Vermont Yankee while the case works its way through court.
Former PSB Chair Says Vermont In Position Of Strength In Lawsuit Tuesday, 04/19/11 7:50am - VPR News Yankee's original 40-year operating license was scheduled to expire next March. But, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved extending the license for another 20 years. That issue is now in court. VPR's Mitch Wertlieb gets some perspective from Michael Dworkin, a former chairman of the Vermont Public Service Board.
Vt. Yankee Owner Files Suit Against State's Role In Relicensing Monday, 04/18/11 9:36am and 5:50pm - VPR News The owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant went to federal court this morning to block the state from shutting down the plant next year. See Entergy's lawsuit against the state
VT Ready To Fight Effort To Keep Yankee Open Monday, 04/11/11 6:06am - VPR News Vermont's attorney general says the state is preparing for a legal battle if the owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant tries to keep it running after its license expires.
Safety Of Nuclear Plant Cables Questioned Tuesday, 04/05/11 6:06am - VPR News Documents show the Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant a new license last month knowing that electrical cables to key safety systems had been submerged in water for long periods of time.
VT Yankee Evacuation Towns To See Drill Tuesday, 04/05/11 6:06am - VPR News Local, state and federal emergency responders will be converging on the area around the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant for a drill this week.
Yankee Owner Tries New Strategy To Win Over Vermonters Thursday, 03/31/11 5:50pm and Friday, 04/01/11 6:34am - VPR News Owners of Vermont Yankee have adopted a new strategy as they try to persuade Vermonters that the nuclear power plant should continue operating for another 20 years. They're challenging the idea, raised by Governor Peter Shumlin, that Vermont Yankee is an aging plant that was designed to run only for 40 years.
Sale Of Vermont Yankee Falls Through, Derailing Power Deals Wednesday, 03/30/11 5:04pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee's parent corporation says a company that was interested in buying the plant in Vernon has pulled out. Entergy Nuclear won't disclose who the other company was. But Entergy executive Rick Smith says the potential buyer was put off by the state's attitude toward Yankee.
Interview: Sen. Sanders Cautious About Libya Action Friday, 03/25/11 12:40pm and 7:40pm - VPR News For much of this week, the United States has been bombing strategic targets in Libya to help the rebellion against President Muammar Khadhafi. Some members of Congress are supporting President Obama's decision to initiate military action but Senator Bernie Sanders says he's nervous about U.S. involvement in Libya.
State To Review VT Yankee Discharge Permit Tuesday, 03/22/11 6:06am - VPR News The state's environmental agency has agreed to review an expired permit that has allowed the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to pour heated water into the Connecticut River.
Vermont Vigil Supports People At Risk In Japan Monday, 03/21/11 6:06am - VPR News More than 600 people in VT showed their support for people in Japan with a vigil outside the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Parallels Drawn Between Vermont Yankee And Japan Plant Thursday, 03/17/11 5:50pm and Friday, 03/18/11 6:34am - VPR News As events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan unfolded this week, direct parallels were quickly drawn between that plant and Vermont Yankee. Both plants use the same GE Mark 1 reactor and spent fuel storage systems.
Opinions Differ On Yankee's Vulnerability Thursday, 03/17/11 12:08pm - VPR News As a result of the developments at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant, former nuclear industry engineer Arnie Gundersen thinks it's important for Vermont Yankee to investigate the reactors points of vulnerability. Entergy Nuclear vice president of engineering Tim Mitchell says the plant has analyzed its severe accident mitigation guidelines and have not found any gaps in the level of preparation at the plant.
Yankee Included In Federal Review Of Nuclear Plants Wednesday, 03/16/11 5:50pm and Thursday, 03/17/11 6:34am - VPR News Federal officials will review the safety of all U.S. nuclear power plants in the wake of the ongoing nuclear catastrophe in Japan. But that review is not likely to halt a new federal license for Vermont Yankee.
Japan Crisis Delays Yankee License Wednesday, 03/16/11 6:34am - VPR News Federal regulators say they have to delay issuing a new 20 year license for Vermont Yankee because officials are busy assisting with the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan.
Japan’s Nuclear Crisis Prompts Calls For U.S. Safety Review Tuesday, 03/15/11 7:34am - VPR News Experts say the growing problems at crippled nuclear power plants in Japan may prompt a review of safety issues in the U.S. If there is a review, Vermont Yankee would probably be part of it because its design is similar to the reactors in Japan.
Entergy Poised To Square Off With VT Over Power Plant Monday, 03/14/11 6:06am - VPR News With the federal approval it needed at hand, Entergy is poised to do battle with the state of Vermont over the future of its Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
NRC Clears Vermont Yankee For License Extension Thursday, 03/10/11 5:50pm - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant has won federal permission to renew its operating license, which was scheduled to expire a year from now. But the decision doesn't automatically mean Yankee can continue operating, because its owner still hasn't won state permission.
NRC Clears Way For Vermont Yankee License Extension Tuesday, 03/08/11 5:50pm and Wednesday, 03/09/11 6:34am - VPR News Federal regulators are close to issuing a new 20-year license for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. A vote this week by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission could clear the way for Yankee's license extension.
The Proposed Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Friday, 03/04/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition We listen to both sides of the debate on the proposed soda tax. And we hear analysis on Vermont's energy issues from VPR's John Dillon. Plus, we listen back to the voices in the news this week.
Environmentalists Say Groundwater Ruling Will Impact Vermont Yankee Friday, 03/04/11 7:34am - VPR News Environmentalists say that a recent court ruling on groundwater protection has implications for a case involving Vermont Yankee. The court ruled that the state has to protect groundwater quality when it reviews pollution permits.
Shumlin Lobbying For Yankee Decommissioning Rules Change Thursday, 03/03/11 7:34am - VPR News Governor Peter Shumlin says the state should overlook a 2002 legal agreement that allows Vermont Yankee to avoid decommissioning for up to 60 years. And he's lobbying the Obama administration to change the rules.
Brattleboro Wants To Keep Tabs On Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 03/02/11 7:04am - VPR News By a more than two-to-one margin, voters approved a nonbinding resolution asking the Brattleboro select board to sign on to a letter sponsored by the group Safe and Green Campaign.
UVM Hosts Vermont Yankee Debate Friday, 02/25/11 7:04am - VPR News Representatives of both sides of the debate over whether Vermont Yankee should be relicensed squared off last night at UVM in a public forum.
Committee Looks At Economic Impact Of Vermont Yankee Closure Thursday, 02/24/11 7:34am - VPR News Last year's state Senate vote to deny Entergy Vermont Yankee a 20-year license extension means the Vernon plant is scheduled to close next year. But planning for that closure is just beginning locally. The Senate Economic Development Committee met in Brattleboro Wednesday to discuss the economic impact of losing Vermont Yankee, and what can be done to soften it.
Vermont Sues NRC Over Nuclear Waste Storage Wednesday, 02/23/11 7:04am - VPR News The state of Vermont has joined Connecticut and New York in suing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over a new policy on how long nuclear waste can be safely stored at a power plant. The policy allows spent fuel to be stored at plants like Vermont Yankee for 60 years after the reactor has shut down.
Study Finds Vermont Yankee Shutdown Could Strain Grid Tuesday, 02/22/11 7:34am - VPR News The shutdown of Vermont Yankee could strain the New England transmission grid and require upgrades to keep the network stable. That's a key finding of a recent report that looks at a scenario without Yankee in the region. But the situation is not as dire as first feared.
Watershed Council Asks State To Act On Yankee Water Permit Friday, 02/18/11 7:35am - VPR News An environmental group says warm water released by Vermont Yankee hurts fish in the Connecticut River. So it's asked the Agency of Natural Resources to set tighter temperature limits to protect water quality.
Steam Leak At Yankee Forces Plant To Clear Reactor Building Wednesday, 02/16/11 5:50pm and Thursday, 02/17/11 7:04am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant had a steam leak that forced plant operators to clear the reactor building. A plant spokesman says the steam was confined inside the building and that no radioactive material entered the environment.
State Says Latest Yankee Contamination May Be Less Serious Tuesday, 02/15/11 12:04pm and Wednesday, 02/16/11 7:04am - VPR News The state Health Department says that the latest leak detected at Vermont Yankee may be less serious than last year's contamination. Bill Irwin, the state's radiological health chief, says Yankee's preliminary findings about the source of the latest groundwater contamination indicate that a relatively small amount has leaked into the ground.
Business Groups Voice Support For Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/11/11 6:06am - VPR News Vermont business and industry groups are renewing their call for the Vermont Legislature and Gov. Peter Shumlin to support the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Entergy May Challenge Vermont's Oversight Of Yankee Wednesday, 02/09/11 5:50pm and Thursday, 02/10/11 7:34am - VPR News The owner of Vermont Yankee says it may try to take the state out of the question of whether the plant can be re-licensed because it's a matter for the federal government to decide. It's the strongest indication yet that the company may challenge the state's oversight.
Entergy Head Says Re-licensing Federal Jurisdiction Wednesday, 02/09/11 6:06am - VPR News The head of the company that owns Vermont Yankee is saying that the plant's future is a matter of federal jurisdiction. He insists the plant is fit for another twenty years of operation.
Massachusetts To Do Radiation Testing Tuesday, 02/08/11 6:06am - VPR News The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will begin testing for radiation in the towns closest to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, but not because of radioactive tritium found on the plant's grounds.
Entergy Continues To Negotiate Power Deal, While Utilities Plan On Future Without Yankee Monday, 02/07/11 5:50pm and Tuesday, 02/08/11 7:34am - VPR News The owner of Vermont Yankee continues to negotiate a new deal to sell power to Vermont utilities. At the same time, the utilities are planning on a future without the nuclear plant.
Tritium Found In Another Yankee Well Friday, 02/04/11 5:55pm - VPR News The state Health Department says another well has tested positive for tritium at Vermont Yankee.
Shumlin Administration Adds Oversight At Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 02/01/11 5:50pm and Wednesday, 02/02/11 7:34am - VPR News The State of Vermont is increasing its oversight of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power plant to ensure that the facility can be properly shut down when its license expires in 2012.
New Developments Disclosed On Tritium Contamination At Vermont Yankee Friday, 01/28/11 5:50pm and Monday, 01/31/11 6:34am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee plant disclosed today that another well is contaminated. And Yankee also confirmed that it couldn't test for tritium for a two week period earlier this month.
Well No. 6 Tests Positive For Tritium At Yankee Friday, 01/28/11 12:44pm - VPR News VPR's John Dillon reports that there could be a new leak in pipes carrying Tritium-contaminated water at Vermont Yankee.
Analyzing Governor Shumlin’s Budget Plan Friday, 01/28/11 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition We hear from two committee chairs who will play an instrumental role in the development of the state's final budget. Plus, VPR's John Dillon provides an update on Vermont Yankee. And we listen back to the voices in the news this week.
Radioactive Tritium Found In New Well At Vermont Yankee Friday, 01/21/11 5:50pm - VPR News Another groundwater monitoring well at the Vermont Yankee plant is contaminated with radioactive tritium. State and federal officials say the discovery may mean there's a new underground leak of radioactive materials.
Radioactive Tritium Found In Another Well At Vermont Yankee Friday, 01/21/11 3:14pm - VPR News Another groundwater monitoring well at the Vermont Yankee plant is contaminated with radioactive tritium. The Vermont Health Department says the well was established in November and the contamination was first discovered late last month. And the Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the discovery could suggest a new leak at the plant.
Vermont Regulators To Hear About Nuclear Leaks Tuesday, 01/11/11 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Public Service Board will hear requests by two environmental groups for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to be shut down until leaks of radioactive materials are fully resolved.
Douglas Officials Will Vote To Expand Nuclear Waste Dump Monday, 12/27/10 5:50pm and Tuesday, 12/28/10 6:34am - VPR News Officials with the outgoing Douglas administration will vote in favor next week of expanding a nuclear waste dump that Vermont shares with Texas. That's even though Governor-elect Peter Shumlin asked that the vote be delayed so his staff could have time to evaluate the plan.
Yankee Agrees To Continue Pumping Contaminated Water Friday, 12/17/10 5:49pm - VPR News At the request of Governor-elect Peter Shumlin, Vermont Yankee has agreed to resume pumping contaminated groundwater at its site in Vernon.
Shumlin Says Proposal Could Squeeze VT Out Of Nuclear Waste Dump Tuesday, 12/14/10 7:34am and 5:50pm - VPR News The dry plains of west Texas are supposed to be the final resting place for tons of low-level nuclear trash. Vermont and Texas have exclusive rights to the proposed waste site under an agreement reached 16 years ago. But the commission overseeing the dump wants to open up the site to 36 other states.
Shumlin To Tour Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 12/14/10 6:06am - VPR News Gov.-elect Peter Shumlin plans to tour the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant this week, and is continuing to press for plant officials to resume pumping contaminated water from around the reactor.
Shumlin Wants More Radioactive Water Pumped From Yankee Tuesday, 12/07/10 5:50pm and Wednesday, 12/08/10 6:34am - VPR News Governor-elect Peter Shumlin wants Vermont Yankee to keep pumping radioactive water from its site in Vernon. Yankee suspended the pumping last month. But Shumlin says plant operators should resume the pumping operation to protect underground water supplies.
VT Yankee Receives Passing Grade Thursday, 11/18/10 6:05am - VPR News Vermont's only nuclear plant has received a passing grade from federal regulators on a security review, but details are secret.
PSB Says Yankee Re-Licensing On Hold Friday, 11/12/10 7:04am - VPR News Vermont Yankee's request for a new 20 year license is on hold at the Public Service Board.
Vermont Yankee Back Online Friday, 11/12/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon is back online after the reactor was restarted from an unplanned shutdown caused by a leak of radioactive water.
Technicians Restarting Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 11/10/10 11:33am - VPR News Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is in the process of starting up again.
Workers Plug Second Leak At Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 11/09/10 12:03pm - VPR News Workers at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant used an unplanned shutdown to fix two leaks in the plant's plumbing.
Workers Find Source of Vermont Yankee Leak Tuesday, 11/09/10 6:06am - VPR News Officials at Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant say they've found the source of a leak of radioactive water that forced the plant's shutdown.
Latest Leak Highlights Challenges At Vermont Yankee Monday, 11/08/10 5:50pm - VPR News Officials at Vermont Yankee say they've found the source of a leak of radioactive water that forced the plant into an unplanned shutdown. A spokesman says an access plug that had been welded over was leaking inside the plant. Technicians will begin to replace the plug, and they hope to have the plant back on line tomorrow.
Vermont Yankee Officials Find Source Of Radioactive Leak Monday, 11/08/10 4:17pm - VPR News Officials at Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant say they've found the source of a leak of radioactive water that forced the plant's shutdown. They say an access plug that had been welded over was leaking inside the plant.
How Yankee's Feedwater System Works Monday, 11/08/10 12:44pm - VPR News The leak in the Vermont Yankee feedwater system was traced to a two-inch port used when the plant was built. The feedwater pipe circulates water back to the reactor after its been heated to steam and used to spin the turbines. A discussion of the repair and how the system works with VPR's John Dillon.
Leak Shuts Down Vermont Yankee Monday, 11/08/10 11am - VPR News Technicians at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant are working to fix a leaking pipe that forced the plant to shut down.
Entergy Faces Obstacles To Yankee Sale Monday, 11/08/10 7:34am - VPR News The Entergy Corporation faces political and financial obstacles as it tries to sell the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. Yankee's license expires in 17 months. And it's likely that any buyer would make its purchase contingent on the plant winning a new 20-year license.
VT Yankee Owners Confirm Plant For Sale Friday, 11/05/10 7:34am - VPR News The owners of Vermont Yankee confirmed on Thursday that they're looking to sell the nuclear plant. But even with new ownership, the plant may still face an uncertain future. Governor-elect Peter Shumlin says he still believes Vermont Yankee should shut down when its license expires in 2012.
Entergy To Put VT Yankee On Market Thursday, 11/04/10 6:06am - VPR News A top Vermont utility regulator tells the Associated Press that Entergy Corporation will announce this week that it wants to sell the troubled Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Vt. Yankee Siren Tests To Begin Tuesday, 11/02/10 6:06am - VPR News People in communities in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts that are in the emergency evacuation zone of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will be hearing longer-than-usual emergency siren tests.
Reports Say That Entergy Wants To Sell Vermont Yankee Monday, 10/25/10 5:49pm and Tuesday, 10/26/10 6:34am - VPR News A published report says Entergy Corporation hopes to sell its Vermont Yankee plant. And a top state official says new ownership - and a better deal for Yankee power - could bolster the case for extending the license of the nuclear plant.
Another Leak Reported At Yankee; NRC Says Problem Is A Minor One Wednesday, 10/20/10 5:04pm and Thursday, 10/21/10 6:34am - VPR News Vermont Yankee has developed another leak, this time in a system used to cool the plant in the event of an emergency.
Vermont Yankee Key Issue For Lt Governor Candidates Tuesday, 10/19/10 7:34am - VPR News The relicensing of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is a key issue in the race for lieutenant governor. Despite recent problems at the plant, Republican Phil Scott says he's not ready to close it down when its license expires in 2012. But Democrat Steve Howard says there's no place for Vermont Yankee in the state's energy future.
Poll Shows Vermont Yankee Influences Election Decisions Tuesday, 10/19/10 6:06am - VPR News The VPR Vermont Poll shows that voters are taking the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant's future into account as they decide political races.
VPR Poll Finds Vermonters Favor Shutting Down Vermont Yankee, School Consolidation Monday, 10/18/10 7:34am - VPR News By a slim margin, Vermont voters favor shutting down the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant when its license expires in 2012. And they also support consolidating school districts to save money, even if that results in closing smaller schools.
Shumlin, Dubie Disagree On Meaning Of Senate's Vote On Yankee Tuesday, 10/12/10 5:51pm and Wednesday, 10/13/10 6:34am - VPR News The future of Vermont Yankee continues to be a dominant issue in the governor's race - and a point of contention between the major party candidates.
Latest Discovery At Vermont Yankee Becomes Campaign Issue Monday, 10/11/10 5:50pm and Tuesday, 10/12/10 6:34am - VPR News The recent discovery of radioactive material in a former water supply well at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has reverberated in the governor's race.
Tritium Found In Water Again At Vermont Yankee Friday, 10/08/10 5:50pm - VPR News Radioactive tritium that's leaked from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has turned up for the first time in a former drinking water well tied to a deep underground aquifer.
Brattleboro Voters To Weigh-In On Vermont Yankee Thursday, 09/23/10 7:04am - VPR News Brattleboro voters will be able to vote on whether they think the state should take over the Vermont Yankee plant by eminent domain and pay its cleanup costs.
Group Wants Feds To Address Yankee Safety Tuesday, 08/24/10 7:34am - VPR News An anti-nuclear group says federal regulators need to address a potential safety problem at Vermont Yankee. The New England Coalition says Yankee's electric cables could get wet and disable safety equipment.
Regulators Sanction Yankee Over Cooling Test Friday, 07/30/10 5:52pm and Saturday, 07/31/10 9:34am - VPR News Federal regulators have sanctioned Vermont Yankee for a safety violation during a recent test of the emergency cooling system.
Lt. Governor Candidate Phil Scott Tuesday, 07/27/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition State Senator Phil Scott, one of two Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor, discusses his plans for creating jobs, cutting the budget and other key issues facing the state. Plus the Rutland Herald's Bruce Edwards on Vermont's struggling construction industry. And we learn about the original builders of the Long Trail.
Legislative Leaders Say Yankee Hasn't Made Case For Relicensing Tuesday, 07/20/10 5:49pm and Wednesday, 07/21/10 6:34am - VPR News Legislative leaders say Vermont Yankee has so far failed to make the case that it should be allowed to operate for another 20 years.
Concerns Raised About Changes To Grid If Yankee Closes Tuesday, 07/20/10 7:34am - VPR News The company that controls Vermont's transmission network is concerned about the reliability of the New England power grid if Vermont Yankee is shut down. The Vermont Electric Power Company has asked for a study of how the system will be affected if Yankee goes off line when its license expires in 2102.
NRC Chairman Visits Brattleboro To Discuss Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 07/14/10 5:50pm - VPR News The chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was in Brattleboro on Wednesday to meet with opponents of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Postcard Campaign Fights Vermont Yankee Future Wednesday, 07/14/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Public Interest Research Group is lobbying the candidates for governor to shut down the VT Yankee Nuclear Power plant.
NRC Chairman To Meet With Vermont Yankee Critics Friday, 07/09/10 6:06am - VPR News The chairman of the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is traveling to Vermont next week to meet with groups critical of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Voices In The Week's News: July 2, 2010 Friday, 07/02/10 12:50pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
Regulators Question Underwater Cables At Vermont Yankee Thursday, 07/01/10 5:51pm and Friday, 07/02/10 6:34am - VPR News Federal inspectors have called attention to a new potential safety problem at Vermont Yankee.
Vermont Yankee Soil Shipped Out Monday, 06/28/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Department of Health says about 310,000 pounds of contaminated soil and other solid waste from the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant has been packed into 10 tractor-trailer containers for shipment to a licensed radioactive waste disposal in Utah.
Board To Hold Hearing On Vermont Yankee Monday, 06/28/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Public Service Board has set a hearing for the evening of July 8 at Brattleboro Union High School to take public testimony on whether it should order the shutdown of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
PSB Rejects Entergy Spinoff Proposal Friday, 06/25/10 5:50pm - VPR News The Public Service Board said "no" to a proposed spin-off of Vermont Yankee into a new company, calling the corporate restructuring financially risky.
VPR's John Dillon On Vermont Yankee Friday, 06/25/10 Noon and 7pm - VPR News Reporter John Dillon talks with VPR's Bob Kinzel about the latest developments at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon.
New Cracks In Cooling Towers At Vermont Yankee Thursday, 06/24/10 6:06am - VPR News Vermont Yankee nuclear plant officials say two new cracks have been found and repaired in a rebuilt tower that cools water from the plant.
Earthquake Felt At Vermont Yankee Plant Wednesday, 06/23/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 06/24/10 7:04am - VPR News The mild earthquake that rocked much of Vermont Wednesday was also felt at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, requiring the plant to formally declare to federal officials that "an unusual event" had taken place.
Radioactive Leak Linked To Design Flaw At Yankee Plant Tuesday, 06/22/10 5:50pm and Wednesday, 06/23/10 7:34am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee has released its investigation into the cause of radioactive leaks discovered this winter at the plant. The report traces the problem to the plant's original construction in 1972 - and also to ineffective monitoring by Entergy.
Vermont Yankee Officials Plan Update On Remediation Tuesday, 06/22/10 6:06am - VPR News Vermont Yankee officials are planning to give the latest news on contamination problems at the nuclear power plant.
NRC Says Yankee Provided Accurate Information Friday, 06/18/10 6:34am - VPR News Federal regulators have cleared Entergy Vermont Yankee after a three-month investigation that focused on whether the company supplied accurate information.
New Leak At Vermont Yankee Raises More Questions Wednesday, 06/09/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 06/10/10 7:34am - VPR News Vermont Yankee officials say a leak was detected inside the plant's containment building, and was quickly repaired. But environmentalists say the incident raises new questions about why the plant continues to have problems.
Groups That Challenged Vermont Yankee To Be Reimbursed Monday, 06/07/10 5:51pm and Tuesday, 06/08/10 7:34am - VPR News State regulators have concluded that Vermont Yankee misled them about whether there were underground pipes carrying radioactive material at the plant. Entergy Vermont Yankee now has to cover the legal fees of environmental groups that have challenged the company's request to extend its license.
Officials Study Re-locating VT Yankee Pipes Monday, 06/07/10 7:34am - VPR News Experts say relocating buried pipes above ground may be part of the solution to radioactive leaks at nuclear power plants around the country. But some Vermont officials question whether it would be worth relocating the pipes at Vermont Yankee until they decide if its license will be extended.
Power Outage Forces Cancellation Of Yankee Hearing Friday, 05/28/10 6:06am - VPR News A power outage prompted the cancellation of a hearing on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant that was scheduled for last night.
Official Calls For More Aggressive Vermont Yankee Monitoring Thursday, 05/27/10 7:34am and 5:30pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee automatically shut down Wednesday, just a couple of days after it was restarted following a refueling outage. Plant officials say they're investigating, but it looks like a switch yard outside the plant was the cause.
Vermont Yankee Shuts Down During Startup Thursday, 05/27/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant shut down suddenly while in the midst of starting up again after a monthlong outage.
Entergy Says Reps Didn’t Intend To Mislead State Friday, 04/23/10 5:55pm - VPR News Owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant say their representatives never intentionally misled the state about underground pipes that carry radioactive material underneath the plant in Vernon.
House, Senate At Odds Over Decommissioning Wednesday, 04/21/10 7:34am - VPR News The Vermont House and Senate are at odds over a bill that would require Vermont Yankee to set aside money to restore the site after the reactor's life has ended.
Community Members Lose Trust In NRC Tuesday, 04/20/10 7:34am and 5:50pm - VPR News A delegation of experts from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission was in Brattleboro Monday. They held an informational open house, and an evening forum on the recent leaks of radioactive material into groundwater at Vermont Yankee.
NRC Holds Meeting About Vermont Yankee Monday, 04/19/10 6:06am - VPR News Recent groundwater contamination at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant will be on the agenda when federal officials hold an open house and public meeting Monday in Brattleboro.
Voices In The Week's News: April 16, 2010 Friday, 04/16/10 12:50pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
House Overwhelmingly Advances Yankee Decommissioning Bill Wednesday, 04/14/10 9:37am - VPR News The House has overwhelmingly approved a bill that requires Entergy Vermont Yankee to eventually clean up the site of the Vernon reactor.
Yankee Supporters See Improved Chances For Re-licensing Thursday, 04/08/10 5:50pm and Friday, 04/09/10 6:34am - VPR News The Vermont Senate said "no" earlier this year to a license extension for Vermont Yankee. But supporters of the plant say the chances of renewing its operating license are now improving.
NRC To Increase Oversight Of Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 04/07/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 04/08/10 7:34am - VPR News Federal regulators will increase oversight of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant because of recent radiation leaks and misstatements by plant executives.
NRC Will Step Up Oversight Of Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 04/07/10 12:04pm - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission disclosed in the past hour that it is increasing its oversight of Vermont Yankee.
Entergy Cancels Plans To Spin Off Nuclear Plants Tuesday, 04/06/10 6:06am - VPR News Entergy has canceled its plan to spin off Vermont Yankee and four other nuclear plants into a separate company.
House Panel To Finalize Decommissioning Bill Tuesday, 04/06/10 6:06am - VPR News A Vermont House committee will put the finishing touches on a bill to strengthen Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's decommissioning fund this week. The bill marks the third such effort in recent years.
NRC To Lawmakers: Don't Worry About Leaks At Yankee Plant Thursday, 04/01/10 5:50pm - VPR News Officials with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission are trying to reassure lawmakers that radiation leaks at Vermont Yankee are not a threat to the public.
Anti-Nuclear Activist Caldicott Visits Vermont Thursday, 04/01/10 7:34am - VPR News Australian physician-activist Helen Caldicott was in Vermont and Hanover, New Hampshire this week, delivering her antinuclear message. The 71-year old co-founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility spoke at Dartmouth College Wednesday.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Cancels Closed-Door Meeting Thursday, 04/01/10 6:06am - VPR News The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has canceled its plans to host a closed-door meeting with elected officials about the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Second Radioactive Isotope Found At Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 03/31/10 6:06am - VPR News Another radioactive substance has been found in the soil around the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Reporter John Dillon On The Entergy Decision Tuesday, 03/30/10 3pm - VPR News VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with reporter John Dillon about what a New York regulatory decision means for Entergy's plan to spin off the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Privacy In Public Spaces Tuesday, 03/30/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition We discuss the ubiquity of cameras in public spaces, and the social and legal limits of being photographed in public. Also, what a New York regulatory decision means for Entergy's plan to spin off the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
House Panel To Tackle Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Monday, 03/29/10 6:06am - VPR News A Vermont House committee plans to take up the question of decommissioning the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Vermont Yankee Finishes Tritium Investigation Friday, 03/26/10 7:34am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee says it has stopped the leak of radioactive tritium into groundwater near the Vernon nuclear plant. Spokesmen for the plant told state and local officials they've finished their investigation and are starting to remove contaminated soil and water from the site.
NY Regulators Reject Entergy Nuclear Spinoff Friday, 03/26/10 6:06am - VPR News New York utility regulators have rejected Entergy Corporation's plan to spin off its six nuclear power stations into a separate company.
Entergy Says It Has Found Source Of Radioactive Leak Thursday, 03/25/10 5:51pm - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee says a radioactive tritium leak that was discovered in January has been stopped, and it's begun cleaning up the contamination.
Vermont Yankee Says Tritium Leaks Have Stopped Thursday, 03/25/10 12:04pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee says it's stopped the leaks of radioactive tritium and has developed a plan for cleaning it up.
Vermont Yankee Gets New NRC Inspector Wednesday, 03/24/10 6:06am - VPR News The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has appointed a new senior resident inspector for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Entergy Spin Off Could Go Forward Without Yankee Tuesday, 03/16/10 6:34am - VPR News The Entergy Corporation says it could go-ahead with a planned corporate spin off even if Vermont Yankee is not part of the deal. Entergy needs approval from regulators in New York and Vermont to transfer ownership of six nuclear plants into a new company called Enexus.
PSB Holds Hearing On Yankee Leaks Wednesday, 03/10/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 03/11/10 6:34am - VPR News State regulators want to know if they have the authority to shut down Vermont Yankee while it is leaking radioactivity into the environment. The Public Service Board held a hearing today to investigate the issue.
Voices In The Week's News: March 5, 2010 Friday, 03/05/10 12:50pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
Troubles At Yankee Affecting Industry Elsewhere Thursday, 03/04/10 5:50pm and Friday, 03/05/10 7:34am - VPR News The troubles at Vermont Yankee are beginning to affect the nuclear power industry elsewhere in the country. Today, New York regulators raised concerns about Entergy's record in Vermont.
Entergy Makes Spinoff Concessions For Regulators Thursday, 03/04/10 6:06am - VPR News Power provider Entergy Corporation has agreed to financial concessions in an attempt to win approval from New York regulators for a proposed spin-off of six nuclear units.
Towns Speak Out On Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 03/02/10 5:50pm and Wednesday, 03/03/10 7:50am - VPR News As of early evening, 14 towns have called on the Legislature to make sure Vermont Yankee shuts down after its license expires in two years.
Poll Says Public Has Lost Trust In Yankee Tuesday, 03/02/10 7:34am - VPR News A new poll shows Entergy Vermont Yankee has lost the trust of a majority of Vermonters. The poll says a radiation leak at the plant has severely eroded public support for the plant to operate after 2012.
NRC Seeks Info From Vermont Yankee Owner Tuesday, 03/02/10 6:06am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has submitted a Demand for Information letter to Vermont Yankee owner Entergy seeking documents related to statements made about a tritium leak.
Source Of Tritium Leak At Vermont Yankee May Have Been Found Friday, 02/26/10 5:50pm - VPR News The source of radioactive tritium that's been leaking from the Vermont Yankee plant may have been found this morning.
Douglas Says Yankee Could Be In Vermont's Energy Future Friday, 02/26/10 5:50pm - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas says Vermont Yankee could play a role in the state's energy future - if questions about the facility are answered, and if plant officials repair a breach of trust with the state.
Analyst Eric Davis On VT Yankee Political Implications Friday, 02/26/10 1pm - VPR News Political analyst Eric Davis of Middlebury College examines how the Senate vote for Vermont Yankee will impact Vermont's gubernatorial race.
Possible Source Of Yankee Leak Identified Friday, 02/26/10 12:04pm - VPR News The source of leaking radioactive tritium may have been found at Vermont Yankee.
Governor Jim Douglas Friday, 02/26/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Governor Jim Douglas addresses this week's Senate vote on Vermont Yankee that he has labeled “meaningless.” He also discusses his plan for property tax reform.
Lynch Pleased With NRC Reponse To Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/26/10 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch says he's pleased the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is taking a more active role in overseeing the tritium leak at the Vermont Yankee power plant.
The Long-Term Future of Vermont Yankee Thursday, 02/25/10 1:56pm - VPR News VPR's Jane Lindholm discusses what the Senate's action means for the long-term future of Vermont Yankee with reporter John Dillon and Michael Dworkin, a former chair of the Public Service Board.
Senate Votes Against Vermont Yankee Thursday, 02/25/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Voice your reaction to the Vermont Seante's vote against a bill that could have allowed the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant to renew its operating license for 20 more years. Also, the Air Guard explains why it wants to be home to a new fleet of F-35s, despite noise concerns.
Entergy Says Yankee Vote Is A Setback Wednesday, 02/24/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 02/25/10 7:04am - VPR News Entergy Corp. says today's Senate vote was a setback. But it's still determined to operate Vermont Yankee until 2032.
Senate Votes Against Yankee Re-licensing Wednesday, 02/24/10 5:50pm and Thursday, 02/25/10 6:34am - VPR News In a historic vote on Wednesday, the Vermont Senate blocked the re-licensing of the state's only nuclear power plant. The action was a serious blow to Vermont Yankee, which has been plagued this year by tritium leaks and other high-profile problems.
Senate Hands Vermont Yankee A Defeat Wednesday, 02/24/10 1:30pm - VPR News Senators defeated a bill today that would have permitted Vermont Yankee to be relicensed for another 20 years.
Hodes Calls For Shut Down Of VT Yankee Wednesday, 02/24/10 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes is calling for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant to be shut down immediately until a tritium leak is fixed.
On Eve Of Senate Vote, Entergy Offers Discounted Power Tuesday, 02/23/10 5:51pm and Wednesday, 02/24/10 6:34am - VPR News On the eve of a legislative vote on Vermont Yankee's future, the plant's owner has offered to sell the state discounted power. Entergy's proposal did not sway legislative leaders, who insist the plant should be shut down when its license expires in two years.
Yankee At Center Of Dueling Media Campaigns Tuesday, 02/23/10 7:34am - VPR News A public relations campaign is under way as the Senate gets ready to vote this week on the future of Vermont Yankee. Entergy has launched radio ads and enlisted allies in the business community in an effort to stop the vote. Opponents of the plant are on TV with ads saying it should be retired on schedule when its license expires in two years.
NRC Confirms 2005 Tritium Leak At Vermont Yankee Monday, 02/22/10 5:51pm and Tuesday, 02/23/10 6:04am - VPR News Officials with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission have confirmed that the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant had a leak of radioactive tritium 5 years ago.
Yankee Vote Becomes Issue In Gubernatorial Race Monday, 02/22/10 5:50pm and Tuesday, 02/23/10 6:34am - VPR News The future of Vermont Yankee is emerging as a key issue in the Democratic gubernatorial race. The Senate is set to vote this week on whether the plant should be re-licensed for another 20 years.
Nuclear Power Opponents Rally Against Vermont Yankee Monday, 02/22/10 7:34am and 5:30pm - VPR News Nuclear power opponents converged in Brattleboro for a rally Sunday. They called for Vermont Yankee to stop operating until the source of the tritium leak is and they called for a permanent shut down when the plant's license expires in 2012.
Groups All For Criminal Investigation For Yankee Owners Monday, 02/22/10 6:34am - VPR News Two environmental groups critical of Vermont Yankee are calling for a federal criminal investigation over what they say are false statements made by plant owners to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The Upcoming Vote On Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/19/10 Noon - VPR News VPR's Bob Kinzel talks with Senate President Peter Shumlin and Rutland Senator Peg Flory about next week's Senate vote on the license extension for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon.
Previewing The Senate's Vote On Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/19/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition The Vermont Senate will hold a key vote on whether to extend the license to operate Vermont Yankee for another 20 years. We hear both sides of the heated debate and preview the upcoming vote.
Douglas, Yankee Ask Lawmakers To Delay Vote Thursday, 02/18/10 5:50pm and Friday, 02/19/10 7:34am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee and the Douglas administration asked lawmakers to delay a vote on the plant's future even as new allegations emerged about underground pipes leaking at the plant.
Senate Leaders Hope To Derail Relicensing Of Yankee Tuesday, 02/16/10 5:51pm and Wednesday, 02/17/10 7:34am - VPR News Senate President Peter Shumlin says that through a legislative procedure, the chamber could prevent the Public Service Board from deciding a 20-year extension on the license of Vermont Yankee.
Vermont Yankee Creates Separate Cultures Tuesday, 02/16/10 7:50am and 5:30pm - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant has generated electricity for 38 years. And it's generated bitter debate throughout the state. Differences of opinion about nuclear power have spawned separate cultures, each with its own version of the truth about Yankee.
Lawmakers Ask When Vermont Yankee Should Be Closed Saturday, 02/13/10 9:34am - VPR News Vermont lawmakers want to know at what point the Vermont Yankee plant should be closed to stop a radioactive leak.
Voices In The Week's News: February 12, 2010 Friday, 02/12/10 2:20pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the week's news.
Entergy Nuclear Spinoff Plan Hits Obstacle Friday, 02/12/10 6:06am - VPR News Entergy Corp.'s plan to improve its finances by spinning off its nuclear plants into a standalone company faces another obstacle.
Sanders Says Yankee Should Close In 2012 Thursday, 02/11/10 7:04am - VPR News Senator Bernie Sanders says Vermont Yankee should close when its license expires in two years.
Lynch Calls For Investigation Of Vermont Yankee Leak Thursday, 02/11/10 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire's governor is calling for an investigation into the discovery of a radioactive leak at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Top Tritium Reading Down At Vermont Yankee Thursday, 02/11/10 6:06am - VPR News Readings from test wells at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant show a decline in the amount of radioactive tritium in one well, and increases in others.
Patrick Calls For More Tests At Nuclear Plants Thursday, 02/11/10 6:06am - VPR News Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick is asking the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ramp up testing for potential leaks both Vermont's Yankee plant and the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Mass.
Nuclear Expert Says Yankee Should Shut Down Wednesday, 02/10/10 5:51pm and Thursday, 02/11/10 6:34am - VPR News An expert on nuclear power hired by the Legislature says Vermont Yankee should shut down voluntarily to stop its radiation leaks. But Yankee and the state Department of Health say the public's health is not in danger from the leaks.
Groundwater Contamination At Vt. Yankee As Big As Football Field Tuesday, 02/09/10 5:49pm and Wednesday, 02/10/10 7:34am - VPR News The zone of groundwater now contaminated at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is about the size of a football field.
Vermont Yankee Tritium Level Down Slightly Tuesday, 02/09/10 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Health Department says a groundwater monitoring well at Vermont Yankee has produced a tritium reading of 2.38 million picocuries per liter of water, down slightly from a reading of 2.45 million taken Saturday.
Hodes Says Vermont Yankee Taking Necessary Steps Tuesday, 02/09/10 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire Rep. Paul Hodes says he believes all the necessary steps are being taken to find the source of tritium leaking into groundwater at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Nuclear Power Up For Debate At UVM Monday, 02/08/10 8:45am - VPR News Whether or not new nuclear plants should be built is up for debate this afternoon at the University of Vermont's Janus Forum. Arguing against more plants is Tyson Slocum of the group Public Citizen. He'll be speaking with author and journalist William Tucker.
Hodes Wants More Oversight Over Vermont Yankee For NH Monday, 02/08/10 6:06am - VPR News New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes is scheduled to travel to the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon and inspect safety procedures.
Tritium Levels Are Highest Yet Found At Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/05/10 5:51pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee says it has found very high levels of tritium near pipes that drain several systems that hold radioactive water at the plant.
VT Edition: John Dillon On Vermont Yankee Friday, 02/05/10 1pm - VPR News Reporter John Dillon joins VPR's Bob Kinzel to discuss the latest news involving Vermont Yankee, the tritium leaks at the plant and the effect on its operation.
Yankee Getting Closer To Finding Source Of Radiation Leak Thursday, 02/04/10 5:51pm and Friday, 02/05/10 7:04am - VPR News Vermont Yankee says it may be getting closer to finding the source of a radiation leak at the plant. A test well has turned up relatively high levels of tritium, a radioactive isotope, which could pinpoint where the leak is coming from.
NRC Chief Says Agency Monitoring Vermont Yankee Thursday, 02/04/10 6:06am - VPR News The chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is telling Vermont's congressional delegation that his agency is keeping close tabs on the tritium leak at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Still Higher Tritium Readings Found At Yankee Wednesday, 02/03/10 6:06am - VPR News Officials at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant say they have found the highest readings yet of radioactive tritium in a monitoring well at the Vernon reactor.
Top Executive At Entergy Is Reassigned Tuesday, 02/02/10 5:51pm and Wednesday, 02/03/10 7:04am - VPR News The Entergy Corporation has reassigned a top executive for providing misleading information to state regulators about the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
New Tritium Levels Highest Yet Tuesday, 02/02/10 7:34am - VPR News Levels of radioactive tritium in two new test wells at Vermont Yankee are the highest yet found near the Vernon reactor.
Yankee Radiation Level Requires Federal Notice Monday, 02/01/10 6:06am - VPR News A spokesman for Vermont's only nuclear plant says the level of radiation found in a monitoring well is enough to require notifying federal regulators, though it does not pose a public health risk.
VPR's John Dillon On Tritium At VT Yankee Friday, 01/29/10 1:44pm - VPR News Reporter John Dillon talks with VPR's Bob Kinzel about the politics and community concerns of the radioactive tritium discovered underground at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon.
VT Edition: Vermont Yankee's Future Friday, 01/29/10 1:29pm - VPR News VPR's Bob Kinzel talks with two lawmakers from the southeastern corner of Vermont about how the Legislature should proceed on questions around the Vermont Yankee.
Lawmakers Debate Vermont Yankee's Future Friday, 01/29/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Host Bob Kinzel talks with Representatives Patti O'Donnell (R-Vernon) and Sarah Edwards (P-Brattleboro) about the safety and future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Also, VPR's John Dillon analyzes the politics of the issue, and we listen back to some of the voices in the week's news.
Utilities Look For Power Sources To Replace Yankee Friday, 01/29/10 7:50am and 5:30pm - VPR News With Vermont Yankee facing an uncertain future, utilities are busy looking at other power sources for the decade ahead. The companies say they see a variety of options if they need to replace electricity they now get from the nuclear plant.
Governor Hopes Yankee Will Still Be Part Of Vermont's Energy Future Thursday, 01/28/10 5:50pm and Friday, 01/29/10 6:34am - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas says he hopes the current problems at Vermont Yankee can be straightened out, so the plant can play a part in the state's energy future. But he says the owners will have to change their attitude about the seriousness of the situation.
Yankee Loses Support Of Governor And Regulators Wednesday, 01/27/10 5:51pm and Thursday, 01/28/10 7:34am - VPR News Today, Governor Jim Douglas said Entergy Vermont Yankee has lost his and the public's trust due to radiation leaks and a series of misstatements about underground pipes at the nuclear power plant.
Yankee Rebuffed By Governor, Rebuked By Regulators Wednesday, 01/27/10 4pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee was rebuffed by Gov. Jim Douglas today and rebuked by state regulators.
Delegation Wants NRC To Get Tough On Yankee Wednesday, 01/27/10 7:34am - VPR News Vermont's congressional delegation wants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to get tough on Entergy Vermont Yankee for allegedly misleading state officials.
CLF Says Yankee Should Close Until Leak Source Found Tuesday, 01/26/10 6:06am - VPR News An environmental group is calling for Vermont Yankee to be closed until the source of a radioactive tritium leak at the plant can be found.
Documents Show Entergy Knew Of Underground Pipes Tuesday, 01/26/10 6:06am - VPR News Documents show that the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's operators knew there were underground pipes at the plant--pipes officials later said didn't exist.
Legislative Leaders Say Administration Should Oppose Enexus Monday, 01/25/10 5:50pm and Tuesday, 01/26/10 6:34am - VPR News Legislative leaders say the Douglas administration should withdraw its support for a new company that hopes to buy the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Nuclear Engineer Says He Alerted State About Yankee Pipes Last Summer Friday, 01/22/10 5:51pm - VPR News A nuclear engineer who advises the legislature says he alerted the state last summer and fall about the potential problems with underground pipes at Vermont Yankee.
Douglas Maintains Stance On Vermont Yankee Thursday, 01/21/10 5:50pm and Friday, 01/22/10 7:04am - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas says the Public Service Board - not politicians - should have the authority to decide Vermont Yankee's future because it has the expertise to decide whether Yankee should be licensed to operate for another 20 years.
Scientist Edwin Lyman Explains Tritium Thursday, 01/21/10 7:50am - VPR News But just how worried should people be about the discovery of tritium at Vermont Yankee? To get to the science behind the headlines regarding tritium we got in touch with Doctor Edwin Lyman, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington.
More Radioactive Tritium Discovered At Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 01/20/10 5:51pm and Thursday, 01/21/10 6:34am - VPR News There's been yet another discovery of radioactive tritium at Vermont Yankee. This time the tritium was found in a concrete-lined vault containing pipes near the reactor.
Much Higher Levels Of Radioactive Tritium Reported At Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 01/20/10 3:55pm - VPR News State officials say more radioactive tritium has been found at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant _ at much higher levels than were found in a test well nearly two weeks ago.
Yankee Discovers Tritium In Second Well Tuesday, 01/19/10 5:51pm and Wednesday, 01/20/10 7:34am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee has discovered radioactive tritium in a second monitoring well near the Vernon reactor. Yankee says the finding will help engineers pinpoint the source of the contaminated water that appears to be moving toward the Connecticut River.
Following Disclosure, Yankee's Record Is Examined Monday, 01/18/10 5:51pm - VPR News State regulators learned last week that they were apparently misled about the existence of underground pipes at Vermont Yankee. Now, a lot of people are examining the record to see what Vermont Yankee officials said.
Yankee's Credibility Challenged Friday, 01/15/10 5:50pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee this week confirmed there are underground pipes on the plant's property that may be leaking radioactive material. The company had previously assured lawmakers and the Public Service Board that the plant had no such pipes.
Yankee Admits Underground Pipes Could Be Source Of Leak Friday, 01/15/10 7:04am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee has told the state that the nuclear plant does have underground pipes that could be the source of radioactive tritium recently found in a well near the Connecticut River.
Vernon Officials Lobby For Yankee License Extension Wednesday, 01/13/10 7:04am - VPR News Officials from southern Vermont were in Montpelier on Tuesday to lobby for Vermont Yankee's license to be extended. The nuclear power plant employs about 650 people, and pays about $1.2 million in taxes to the town of Vernon.
Walkers Want Vermont Yankee Shut Down Tuesday, 01/12/10 7:50am - VPR News Bob Bady lives in Brattleboro and is with the "Safe and Green Campaign Walk." He and others with the campaign feel so strongly that Vermont Yankee should be closed for good that he's been walking 126 miles to the state capital to let the legislature know about the movement.
Scientists Look For Source Of Radioactive Water Tuesday, 01/12/10 7:34am - VPR News Vermont Yankee has assigned a team of scientists and technicians to look for the source of radioactive water discovered recently in a monitoring well, while lawmakers want to know if the contamination will add to the cost of decommissioning the plant.
Radioactive Isotope Discovered At Vermont Yankee Friday, 01/08/10 Noon - VPR News A problem cropping up at nuclear plants around the country has occurred at Vermont Yankee. Plant technicians have discovered a radioactive isotope called tritium in a monitoring well on the Vernon reactor site.
House Speaker Shap Smith Friday, 01/08/10 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition House Speaker Shap Smith discusses the state's budget problems, the future of Vermont Yankee, education funding and spending and health care reform legislation.
Vermont Yankee Opponents Start Walk To Montpelier Tuesday, 01/05/10 7:34am - VPR News Residents of three states who live within 20 miles of Vermont Yankee set off on foot this weekend from Brattleboro to make a point. They plan to walk 126 miles to Montpelier, to show their opposition to extending the nuclear plant's operating license when its current license expires in 2012.
Yankee May Close Down Without Approval Of Spin-off Tuesday, 12/22/09 5:50pm - VPR News The owners of Vermont Yankee say they might shut the plant down in 2012, if Vermont doesn't approve of a new spin-off corporation that would own the reactor.
Vermont Yankee Offers Rates It Wants To Charge Friday, 12/18/09 5:50pm - VPR News After months of delay, Vermont Yankee has released the rate that it wants to be paid for future power contracts.
State Senator Peter Shumlin Friday, 12/18/09 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition Senate President and gubernatorial candidate Peter Shumlin discusses new developments in the re-licensing of Vermont Yankee and other issues that will face the state's next governor.
Vermont Yankee To File Power Deal Friday, 12/18/09 6:06am - VPR News The owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is expected to reveal a long awaited deal on what it would charge the state's utilities for power if it's operating license is renewed.
Nuclear Plant Opponents Plan Walk To Montpelier Friday, 12/11/09 6:06am - VPR News A group of Vermont Yankee opponents who want the state to block its re-licensing are planning a novel approach - walking 122 miles from Brattleboro to Montpelier to buttonhole legislators at the Statehouse.
Douglas Says Yankee Relicensing Is A Top Legislative Priority Thursday, 12/10/09 5:50pm - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas says re-licensing the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is one of his top priorities for the 2010 legislative session.
Voices in the week's news: December 4, 2009 Friday, 12/04/09 2:15pm - VPR News These were some of the voices in the news this week.
Lawmakers, Regulators Question Yankee Spin Off Thursday, 12/03/09 7:34am - VPR News Lawmakers and state utility regulators are asking tough questions about a plan to spin off Vermont Yankee into a new company. They want to know if the new corporation is taking on too much debt. And they're asking whether the company will have enough money to make major repairs and dismantle the nuclear plant after it's shut down.
State Senator Doug Racine Friday, 11/20/09 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition As part of our continuing series of candidate interviews, Chittenden Senator Doug Racine discusses his positions on health care reform, the future of Vermont Yankee and his plans to stimulate the Vermont economy.
Vt. Nuke Critics Renew Campaign Against Relicense Friday, 11/20/09 6:06am - VPR News Two of Vermont's most famous residents and one of its former governors have joined groups opposed to the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in announcing a push for Town Meeting Day votes on whether the plant should keep operating past 2012.
Shumlin To Vote Against Yankee License Renewal Friday, 11/13/09 5:50pm - VPR News Senate President Peter Shumlin says he'll vote against a license extension for the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, because owners of the facility haven't reached a rate agreement with Vermont utilities.
Vermont Yankee Friday, 11/13/09 Noon and 7pm - Vermont Edition We examine a variety of issues and questions concerning the re-licensing of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant.
VT Yankee Decommissioning Fund Dips Again Tuesday, 11/10/09 8:13am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's decommissioning fund lost money in October, after several months of recovering from last year's big stock market declines.
VT Edition: Reporter's Roundable Thursday, 11/05/09 1pm - VPR News Reporters Ross Sneyd and John Dillon join VPR's Bob Kinzel to talk about Vermont candidates in the 2010 elections.
Uncertainty Grows On Vermont Yankee Future Thursday, 11/05/09 8:05am - VPR News A key Vermont lawmaker says he thinks there's still a possibility the Legislature will vote this coming session on whether to extend the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's license.
Nov. 1 Vermont Yankee Deadline Passes Wednesday, 11/04/09 8:39am - VPR News Legislative leaders say it will be "very difficult" to vote next year on whether Vermont Yankee's license should be extended after the nuclear plant's owners failed to meet a Nov. 1 deadline set by the Legislature to reach an agreement with the state's utility companies.
Storage Issue Settled At VT Yankee Monday, 11/02/09 8:04am - VPR News A nuclear waste storage issue at Vermont Yankee is closer to being settled.
Yankee Plant's Reliability Questioned Wednesday, 10/28/09 5:50pm - VPR News A legislative consultant says Vermont Yankee failed to disclose that some of its underground pipes have leaked radioactive material into the Connecticut River.
Shumlin: Yankee Plan Cound Hinder License Wednesday, 10/21/09 5:50pm - VPR News Senate President Peter Shumlin says the owner of Vermont Yankee, the Entergy Corporation, is taking actions that make it less likely the Legislature will vote to extend the plant's license beyond 2012.
State reaches deal with Vermont Yankee Friday, 10/09/09 8:02am - VPR News The Vermont Department of Public Service has reached an agreement with the owners of the Vermont Yankee on its proposal to spin off the nuclear power plant to a new company called Enexus.
Douglas: Yankee costs no concern of lawmakers Friday, 10/09/09 7:49am - VPR News Gov. Jim Douglas says lawmakers should not concern themselves with the cost of power from Vermont Yankee if the plant operates after 2012.
Forum addresses future of energy in Vermont Wednesday, 10/07/09 8:11am - VPR News It's uncertain if Vermont Yankee will meet a Nov. 1 deadline to offer future power contract to the state's utilities, setting up the prospect that the Legislature won't vote on the relicensing of the nuclear power plant this session.
NRC questions Yankee on decommissioning fund Tuesday, 09/29/09 5:50pm - VPR News The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says Vermont Yankee has not come up with a plan to fully cover a shortfall in its decommissioning fund.
Lawmakers to hear about Health Department rule Tuesday, 09/15/09 8:34am - VPR News A long-simmering debate over radiation emitted by Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is coming to a head at the Vermont Statehouse.
Ruling on Vermont Yankee appeal postponed Wednesday, 09/09/09 9:08am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has postponed indefinitely a ruling on an appeal filed by a group opposed to the relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
VT Yankee worker restricted after positive alcohol test Wednesday, 09/02/09 8:56am - VPR News A supervisor at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has been barred from restricted areas of the plant after testing positive for alcohol.
Alternative power costs questioned by utilities Thursday, 08/27/09 8:53am - VPR News Advocates say the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant can be replaced with cheaper alternatives, primarily renewables and conservation. But the utility industry questions some of the conclusions, especially about the cost.
VT Yankee decommissioning fund improves Thursday, 08/20/09 8:23am - VPR News The decommissioning fund for Vermont Yankee is showing signs of improvement. Entergy Nuclear says the fund's shortfall has shrunk to 58-million-dollars.
Company failed to test Yankee storage casks Thursday, 08/13/09 7:04am - VPR News The company that built the containers used to hold high-level nuclear waste at Vermont Yankee failed to conduct a required test to insure the casks are safe.
State may fine Yankee for failure to monitor dry cask radiation Wednesday, 08/05/09 7:34am - VPR News State regulators may levy fines against Vermont Yankee for its failure to monitor radiation that comes from its high-level nuclear waste. The company was required to report the temperature and radiation from storage containers that hold spent nuclear fuel. State officials say they're concerned about the apparent violation.
Yankee says it failed to conduct additional radiation monitoring Friday, 07/31/09 6:19pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee says it failed to conduct additional radiation monitoring of its spent fuel storage as required by the state.
Lawmakers set deadline for Vermont Yankee power deal Tuesday, 07/28/09 5:50pm - VPR News Lawmakers say they need to know what Vermont Yankee will charge for electricity, before they vote on whether the plant should operate after 2012.
Shumlin says he’ll push for another decommissioning bill Thursday, 07/02/09 7:04am - VPR News Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin says he'll push another bill next year that would force Vermont Yankee's owners to put aside money to close the plant.
Decommissioning Vermont Yankee Thursday, 06/25/09 Noon - Vermont Edition We step away from partisan politics of decommissioning Vermont Yankee to consider the physical and financial challenges of retiring a nuclear power plant. Also, the Vermont College of Fine Arts celebrates its first anniversary.
Vermont Yankee tries to repair leak Wednesday, 06/24/09 6:06am - VPR News Entergy Nuclear officials say power has been reduced at Vermont Yankee while technicians try to find and repair a leak of river water into the plant's cooling system.
Shumlin calls for expert to improve Vermont Yankee oversight Friday, 06/19/09 7:34am - VPR News A second water leak at Vermont Yankee has renewed calls for additional oversight of the plant. Senate President Peter Shumlin wants the Legislature to hire its own expert to make sure plant operators improve maintenance and inspection procedures.
Voices in the week's news: June 12, 2009 Friday, 06/12/09 12:50pm - VPR News Gas prices rose, Vermont Yankee leaked, the Democrats offered an olive branch and Vermont was found to be safe and green. These were some of the voices in the news this week.
Vermont Yankee reduces power to fix leak Monday, 06/08/09 5:59pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee needs to reduce power in order to fix a leak that allows water from the Connecticut River to enter the plant's condenser.
PSB studies Vermont Yankee re-licensing Monday, 06/01/09 5:32pm - VPR News The state Public Service Board is digging deep into Vermont Yankee's request to operate for another 20 years, past 2012.
Sorrell raises Vermont Yankee fuel storage worry Wednesday, 05/06/09 6:06am - VPR News Vermont has joined a federal lawsuit to get the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take a deeper look at concerns surrounding nuclear plants' spent fuel pools.
Vermont Yankee delays emergency siren tests Tuesday, 05/05/09 8:04am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon is delaying until Wednesday the test of 37 emergency sirens in three states.
More than 200 workers urge support for Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 05/05/09 6:06am - VPR News Employees of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant want state lawmakers to defeat a bill that would require the plant's owners to beef up its decommissioning fund.
Vermont Yankee plans emergency siren tests Monday, 05/04/09 6:06am - VPR News Sirens in the Vermont Yankee's emergency planning zone will sound this Tuesday - Wednesday is the rain date - as part of a regular test of the emergency notification system surrounding the Vernon reactor.
Nuclear activist protest Vermont Yankee Thursday, 04/30/09 7:34am - VPR News Several hundred nuclear activists came to Montpelier yesterday to voice their concerns about the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Public hearing set for Vermont Yankee permit Monday, 04/27/09 6:34am - VPR News The public will get a chance to either speak out against or in favor of a plan to extend a Vermont nuclear power plant's operating permit.
At nuke plant hearing, activist throws compost Friday, 04/17/09 8:04am - VPR News A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearing on the performance of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant took an unexpected turn when an anti-nuclear activist threw some compost at a plant official and then dropped a couple of handfuls on a table where regulators sat.
4 protesters arrested at Vt. stimulus workshop Tuesday, 03/31/09 6:34am - VPR News Four people who protested Gov. Jim Douglas over the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant and other issues Monday were arrested at an event the governor attended and charged with disorderly conduct, police said.
Feds allow further study of nuke fuel rods storage Tuesday, 03/24/09 6:34am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is agreeing to extend the relicensing period for two nuclear power plants in part to allow time to study the storage of spent fuel rods.
Vermont House to take up nuke decommissioning Monday, 03/23/09 6:34am - VPR News The Vermont House this week is expected to debate another effort to get the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to shore up its decommissioning fund.
Engineer says Legislature should vote on nuke Friday, 03/20/09 6:06am - VPR News Vermont's former nuclear engineer says that lawmakers should vote this year on whether the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant should get a 20-year license extension beyond its current 2012 expiration date.
Vernon hires lobbyist for Vermont Yankee issues Thursday, 03/19/09 8:04am - VPR News The Town of Vernon is hiring a lobbyist to keep tabs on Statehouse action on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Lawmakers: Decommissioning tops Yankee agenda Monday, 03/16/09 6:34am - VPR News Vermont lawmakers say the most important Vermont Yankee nuclear plant issue on their agenda is planning for the plant's shut-down, not its re-licensing.
Morning Newscast: March 12, 2009 Thursday, 03/12/09 7:40am - VPR News The Douglas administration says it can avoid cutting 320 state jobs if the state workers' union agrees to additional pay and benefit cuts. State Attorney General William Sorrell says Vermont Yankee's zero carbon emissions claim is inaccurate.
VPR Evening News March 5th, 2009 Friday, 03/06/09 6:11pm - VPR News UVM Budget cuts could be postponed; A vote on Vt. Yankee’s future will have to wait until next year; Dartmouth students apologize for offensive e-mail; Phish begins new tour tonight; and commentator Willem Lange on why you need to wear clean underwear.
Town meetings getting underway Tuesday, 03/03/09 7:04am - VPR News Town Meeting days are here, with Vermont voters heading out to gymnasiums, town halls and school cafeterias to help decide how their local governments are run.
45 towns to vote on Vermont Yankee’s future Monday, 03/02/09 5:30pm - VPR News On Tuesday, at least 45 towns will consider the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The Town Meeting resolution urges the legislature to vote against Yankee's request to operate after its license expires in 2012.
VPR Evening News February 27th, 2009 Friday, 02/27/09 6:20pm - VPR News First installment of federal stimulus money arrives in Vermont; Peter Welch is concerned about remaining troop levels in Iraq; Plainfield to consider a hydroelectric dam; Disagreement over Vermont Yankee relicensing; Officials worried about used nuclear fuel stored at Vt. Yankee; and commentator Willem Lange catches Gold Fever.
Douglas thinks lawmakers can decide nuclear plant's future this year Friday, 02/27/09 6:34am - VPR News Gov. Jim Douglas says he thinks lawmakers can have their say on the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant this year, but issues relating to the plant's decommissioning fund should be left to regulators.
VPR Evening News February 24th, 2009 Tuesday, 02/24/09 6:14pm - VPR News Governor basks in national spotlight; Douglas Administration moving to authorize new federal stimulus money; Legislature can force Vt. Yankee to set aside decommissioning money; Fairpoint apologizes for transition problems; and commentator Ruth Page on beavers and clean water.
Radioactive water still leaking from Yankee pipe Wednesday, 02/18/09 8:03am - VPR News Engineers at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant are still trying to stop a pipe from leaking slightly radioactive water.
Shumlin says lawmakers need energy contract before re-licensing vote Wednesday, 02/18/09 6:34am - VPR News Entergy Vermont Yankee has so far declined to offer utilities a power contract for electricity sold after 2012. That's when the plant's license expires. Yankee needs approval from the Legislature to operate for another 20 years.
Douglas administration says Yankee hasn’t made re-licensing case Thursday, 02/12/09 7:04am - VPR News The Douglas administration says the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant hasn't made the case that its license should be renewed.
VPR Evening News February 11th, 2009 Wednesday, 02/11/09 6:13pm - VPR News Patrick Leahy says the federal stimulus package is good news for the economy; Lawmakers want to set milk prices; Douglas Administration says Vt. Yankee hasn’t made the case for license renewal; and commentator Mary McCallum says the economic downturn is affecting the state’s prison population.
Vermont Yankee decommissioning fund shrinks again in February Wednesday, 02/11/09 6:06am - VPR News The fund set aside for the eventual dismantling of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is continuing to shrink.
VPR Evening News February 5th, 2009 Thursday, 02/05/09 6:12pm - VPR News Lawmakers press Vt. Yankee to prove it has the money to dismantle the plant; South Burlington woman travels to Capitol Hill to testify on salmonella poisoning; Governor wants more budget cuts; Remembering former state senator George Little; and commentator Vic Henningsen is wondering when “compromise” disappeared from the U.S. House.
Entergy apologizes for mishaps at nuclear plant Monday, 02/02/09 6:34am - VPR News An Entergy Nuclear official says the company has replaced several employees following two recent leaks of radioactive water at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power plant.
Towns to vote on Vermont Yankee Friday, 01/30/09 6:34am - VPR News It's not up to them, but voters around Vermont will voice their opinions come Town Meeting Day on whether Vermont Yankee nuclear plant should stay open.
VPR Evening News January 16th, 2009 Friday, 01/16/09 6:41pm - VPR News Concerns about governor’s plan to freeze education spending; Environmentalists challenge the reliability of Vt. Yankee; New program encourages the use of helmets on ski slopes; and commentator Ken Davis on matching poetry with prose.
Vt. Yankee vote seen unlikely this year Friday, 01/16/09 6:34am - VPR News The Vermont Legislature might not decide this year if the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant will be able to operate after 2012, when its current license expires.
VPR Evening News January 8th, 2009 Thursday, 01/08/09 6:14pm - VPR News Governor proposes repeal on Acts 60 and 68 in his Inaugural Address; Reaction to governor’s proposal to freeze education spending; State Auditor sworn in by phone from Iraq; Second leak found at Vermont Yankee; Pace of home foreclosures slowing; Vt. Teddy Bear lays off 35; and commentator Willem Lange prepares for an Arctic journey.
Radioactive water leak found at Vermont Yankee Thursday, 01/08/09 7:04am - VPR News Entergy nuclear officials say the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant was undergoing a repair Wednesday after a broken valve was leaking radioactive water inside the nuclear plant.
VY spokesman: Talks on future power deal still on Monday, 01/05/09 6:34am - VPR News A Vermont Yankee nuclear plant official says negotiations on a future deal to sell power to the state's retail utilities remain under way, despite indications they may have reached an impasse this past week.
Vermont Yankee owner says utilities' expectations inappropriate Friday, 01/02/09 7:04am - VPR News The owners of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant will not offer a new power deal to the state's utilities, saying the current one is sufficient.
VPR Evening News December 31st, 2008 Wednesday, 12/31/08 6:10pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee owners will not offer Vermont utilities a new deal on power; New commissioner appointed for Department of Corrections; Actor Matt Dillon stopped for speeding on I-91; and commentator Howard Coffin looks forward to looking back.
Vermont Yankee owners won't offer state's utilities new power deal Wednesday, 12/31/08 5:52pm - VPR News The owners of Vermont Yankee have decided not to offer Vermont utilities a new deal on power. Yankee faced a year-end deadline to come up with a new power contract. But the owners of the nuclear plant said the deal that's already in place is good enough for now.
Shumlin says state should consider moving radioactive waste out of Vernon Monday, 12/29/08 5:50pm - VPR News Senate President Peter Shumlin says he wants lawmakers to consider moving high level radioactive waste from southern Vermont to somewhere else in the state. Governor Jim Douglas says he doesn't see any need to move the waste because state and federal regulators have determined that the current site is a safe location.
Douglas: Vermont Yankee gets good grades in consultant's report Wednesday, 12/24/08 7:04am - VPR News Gov. Jim Douglas a new report by a state consultant points to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant being able to operate reliably after its current license expires in 2012.
NRC: No 'turf war' over VY Friday, 12/12/08 6:34am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is disputing an industry critic's assertion that an appeal by NRC staff of a quasi-judicial review panel's determination on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant represents a "turf war."
Decision on Vermont Yankee delayed Monday, 12/08/08 6:34am - VPR News The Legislature's anticipated vote on whether Vermont Yankee can keep operating after its current license expires in 2012 may not come this session.
Committee objects to rules on nuke radiation Thursday, 12/04/08 6:06am - VPR News A committee of the Vermont Legislature is formally objecting to changes in rules by the Health Department that allow the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to release more radiation into the environment.
VPR Evening News November 24th, 2008 Monday, 11/24/08 6:12pm - VPR News Federal panel says Vermont Yankee should not operate after 2012 without more studies; Burton co-owners respond to criticism of snowboard graphics; Remembering Vt. Law School professor Michael Mello; and commentator Bill Mares on the pleasures of deer hunting.
Vt. Yankee decommissioning fund suffers big loss Wednesday, 11/19/08 6:34am - VPR News A state report says the fund set aside to pay for dismantling the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant when it shuts down took a big hit in October, losing more than $33 million.
Study predicts energy price increases, dirty air if Yankee closes Tuesday, 11/18/08 7:34am - VPR News But the study drew immediate criticism from environmentalists. They said the report used faulty methodology to skew the results.
Legislators want radiation rule rewritten Thursday, 11/13/08 7:34am - VPR News Vermont lawmakers want the state Department of Health to rewrite a rule on how radiation from Vermont Yankee is measured.
More cracks discovered in Vermont Yankee steam dryer Thursday, 11/13/08 6:34am - VPR News Inspectors have found 16 additional cracks in Vermont Yankee's steam dryer.
Anti-nuclear protest at state board gets rowdy Tuesday, 11/04/08 7:04am - VPR News Officials with the state board that regulates utilities say they'll lock their office doors from now on after an anti-nuclear protest grew rowdy.
Lawmakers concerned about nuke plant radiation Friday, 10/31/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News Vermont lawmakers are still worried about the state Department of Health's decision to change the way radiation from Vermont Yankee is measured.
VPR Evening News October 30th, 2008 Thursday, 10/30/08 6:07pm and 6:07pm - VPR News Record number of Vermonters voting early; Lawmakers again focus on Vt. Yankee decommissioning funds.; Researchers identify bat-killing fungus; and commentator Bill Mares on American foreign policy.
Vermont Yankee nuclear plant off line for refueling Tuesday, 10/21/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News Officials at the Vernon plant say operators disconnected from the New England electrical grid early Sunday morning.
Feds hold meeting to discuss nuclear plant's cooling towers Wednesday, 10/15/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission tried yesterday to reassure people attending a hearing in Brattleboro that recent problems with the cooling towers at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant are not symptomatic of the rest of the plant.
Financial turmoil could be bad for Entergy Corp. spinoff deal Tuesday, 10/14/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News A plan by Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's owner to spin off five nuclear reactors under a new company could be in jeopardy because of Wall Street's financial crisis.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie Monday, 10/13/08 Noon - Vermont Edition Our series of interviews with the candidates for Vermont's top posts continues as host Jane Lindholm talks with Brian Dubie about his bid for a fourth term as Lieutenant Governor. We also take a look at electoral politics in Canada, and get an introduction to bow hunting.
VPR Evening News October 10th, 2008 Friday, 10/10/08 6:08pm and 6:08pm - VPR News Peter Welch supports government role in economic recovery; Intervale compost battle is over; Vermont woman at center of Supreme Court case; NRC scolding Vermont Yankee for inadequate cooling tower fix; Former slave honored in Poultney; and commentator Ruth Page on one of her favorite wildflowers.
VPR Evening News October 9th, 2008 Thursday, 10/09/08 6:07pm and 6:07pm - VPR News Vt. Yankee decommissioning fund becomes an issue in the governor's race; Vermont benefits from increase to LIHEAP funding; Scientists still trying to understand White Nose Syndrome; New Hampshire utility warns of carbon monoxide poisoning; and commentator Tom Slayton on Trap Day.
Committee criticizes health department on radiation measurements Thursday, 10/09/08 7:04am and 7:04am - VPR News A legislative committee is criticizing the Vermont Health Department for reworking the way it measures radiation being emitted by the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
NRC rejects complaints based on inspector reports Tuesday, 10/07/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has dismissed calls by anti-nuclear groups for an overhaul of its review process before it finishes processing license renewal applications from Vermont Yankee and three other plants.
Mass. AG appeals ruling affecting Vt. Yankee Friday, 10/03/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News The Massachusetts attorney general is appealing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's rejection of concerns about possible accidents or sabotage involving the spent radioactive fuel pools at the Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee nuclear plants.
Vermont Yankee emergency system temporarily disabled Thursday, 10/02/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Plant officials say problems with a phone line that connects the plant to a radio transmitter caused the system to fail Tuesday evening.
VPR Evening News September 26th, 2008 Friday, 09/26/08 6:09pm and 6:09pm - VPR News Lt. Governor candidate Tom Costello says future of Vt. Yankee is a key campaign issue; Three nuclear experts named to Public Oversight Panel; Agency of Agriculture says a Highgate egg farm has violated its permit; UVM faculty ratifies new contract; Six N.Y. caves being closed to protect bats; and commentator Art Woolf says you shouldn't panic about the economy.
Morning Newscast: September 22, 2008 Monday, 09/22/08 7:41am and 7:41am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Vermont and nine other northeastern states this week will conduct the nation's first carbon auction, taking the same approach that curbed lake-killing acid rain; The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant wants permission from the state to operate for another 20 years. And it wants the Public Service Board to make that decision by this spring...
Officials want Vermont Yankee decision by April 2009 Monday, 09/22/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant wants permission from the state to operate for another 20 years. And it wants the Public Service Board to make that decision by this spring. Several groups involved in the case are asking for more time.
VPR Evening News September 19th, 2008 Friday, 09/19/08 6:08pm and 6:08pm - VPR News State wants the NRC to inspect Vt. Yankee; Sen. Sanders has financial advice for Congress; Progressive House candidate says Welch has misled voters on Iraq War funding; More Vermonters out of work; Filling salt sheds for winter; Plane lands on I-89; and commentator Willem Lange goes to a reunion. .
More problems in nuclear plant's cooling towers Friday, 09/19/08 8:04am and 8:04am - VPR News Inspectors have found more problems with Vermont Yankee's cooling towers.
VPR Evening News September 17th, 2008 Wednesday, 09/17/08 6:16pm and 6:16pm - VPR News More money found for winter fuel assistance; Vt. Yankee cooling system springs another leak; Remembering a Vermont America's Cup winner; and commentator Bill Seamans on financial news and campaign rhetoric..
Public hearing tonight in Vernon on nuke plant re-licensing Monday, 09/15/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News The state Public Service Board is holding a public hearing tonight on Vermont Yankee's bid for a 20-year license renewal.
Vermont Yankee hearings scheduled Friday, 09/05/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News Whether the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant should continue operating after 2012 will be the subject of two upcoming public hearings.
State officials lament nuclear panel member's death Thursday, 09/04/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News Vermont state officials are lamenting the death of a recently appointed member of a panel set up to oversee a special review of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
VPR Evening News September 2nd, 2008 Tuesday, 09/02/08 6:08pm and 6:08pm - VPR News Vermont could be on track to have statewide cell and Internet service; Consumer group accuses Vermont Yankee of deceptive advertising; Vermont Guard may not be needed in the Gulf Coast; Chairman of Vermont's Commission on Native American Affairs resigns; and commentator Charlie Nardozzi on planting garlic.
VPIRG calls for closing Vermont Yankee in 2012 Wednesday, 08/20/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Supporters of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant are defending its operating record in the face of a call by a consumer and environmental group that it be shut down when its current license expires in 2012.
Morning Newscast: August 4, 2008 Monday, 08/04/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Vermont lawmakers are investigating whether the state Health Department broke the law by changing its methods for measuring radiation emitted by the Vermont Yankee; The power may be coming back on at the Middlebury falls; Vermont tourism officials say it's rain and not high gas prices that has kept tourism down so far this summer...
Committee probes VY radiation reading changes Monday, 08/04/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News Vermont lawmakers are investigating whether the state Health Department broke the law by changing its methods for measuring radiation emitted by the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant without getting the approval of a legislative committee.
Entergy faces questions on financial health of spin-off company Thursday, 07/31/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News Federal regulators have told the Entergy Corporation that it can spin off Vermont Yankee and four other nuclear plants to a new company. But the proposal still needs approval in Vermont. And the company faced tough questions this week about its financial health. VPR's John Dillon reports.
Morning Newscast: July 29, 2008 Tuesday, 07/29/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given the green light for Entergy Corp. to spin off Vermont Yankee and four other nuclear plants to a newly created company; Green Mountain Power says it ultimately wants to rely more on environmentally friendly power - and less on nuclear; The wood harvesting program that state officials plan to expand is a multiyear initiative to help Vermonters heat their homes...
Pollina calls on Douglas to reverse Health Department on Yankee radiation measures Tuesday, 07/29/08 7:04am and 7:04am - VPR News Independent gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina is criticizing the Douglas administration for allowing more radioactivity to escape from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
NRC OKs Entergy spinning off five nuclear plants Tuesday, 07/29/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given the green light for Entergy Corp. to spin off Vermont Yankee and four other nuclear plants to a newly created company.
Morning Newscast: July 28, 2008 Monday, 07/28/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Key Vermont lawmakers and Douglas administration officials today are set to announce a series of steps designed to avert a crisis due to the high cost of heating fuel for next winter; Senator Bernie Sanders is vowing to continue fighting for increased federal home heating assistance despite a setback in the Senate; High gas prices mean the state and federal governments are collecting less money in transportation taxes...
Nuclear watchdog group hopes its role may help Monday, 07/28/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News A longtime activist with the New England Coalition says the nuclear watchdog group may not block the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant from winning a 20-year license extension.
VPR Evening News July 25th, 2008 Friday, 07/25/08 6:10pm and 6:10pm - VPR News The number of home foreclosures continues to climb; Federal heating oil assistance faces a test in the U.S. Senate; A wood-pellet mill is planned in North Troy; A Rutland non-profit will sell wood to low-income households; Increased radiation is detected near Vermont Yankee; Economic grant given to St. J. company; and commentator Deborah Doyle-Schectman on perennials.
Morning Newscast: July 25, 2008 Friday, 07/25/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Representatives of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission faced some tough questioning from a panel of judges weighing a citizen group's challenge to the proposed relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant; This endless rain has left a lot of people cranky lately. But not the folks who run hydroelectric dams...
Federal panel's hearing in Newfane wraps up Friday, 07/25/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News Representatives of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission faced some tough questioning from a panel of judges weighing a citizen group's challenge to the proposed relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
Morning Newscast: July 24, 2008 Thursday, 07/24/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Vermont leads the nation in helping service members when they come home; Officials predict the power won't be as cheap as it is now in the near future; The first Vermont municipality to pass an ordinance restricting where sex offenders may live within its borders is expected to draw a legal challenge...
Public Service officials predict higher power prices in Vermont Thursday, 07/24/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News In the years ahead, Vermont is not expected to be as reliant on nuclear power from Vermont Yankee. And officials predict the power won't be as cheap as it is now. VPR's Susan Keese has more.
VPR Evening News July 22nd, 2008 Tuesday, 07/22/08 6:07pm and 6:07pm - VPR News Who’s running and who’s not this election season; Legislative leaders accuse the Douglas Administration of hindering a Vermont Yankee independent review; CCTA is looking to reduce service and raise fares; “Click It Or Ticket” program is working: and commentator Jay Parini on naming boats.
Morning Newscast: July 22, 2008 Tuesday, 07/22/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: It's unlikely the governor will call a special session in the wake of the Brooke Bennett case; Police are searching for about two dozen convicted sex offenders who couldn't be found during a recent sweep of Chittenden County; Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina says he's decided to run as an Independent candidate this fall...
Federal review panel opens hearing on Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 07/22/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News A federal panel is weighing an anti-nuclear group's challenge to the re-licensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.
VPR Evening News July 18th, 2008 Friday, 07/18/08 6:08pm and 6:08pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee is criticized for poor management and lax state oversight; Senator Patrick Leahy is hopeful for better U.S. relations with Iran; Severe thunderstorms this afternoon caused damage and power outages; Heavy trucks will soon be banned from the Route 4 bridge in the Upper Valley; Quebec nationalists oppose Paul McCartney’s appearance at city’s anniversary celebration.
Morning Newscast: July 18, 2008 Friday, 07/18/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Federal regulators have turned down the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's plan to use some of the money from its decommissioning fund for management of the plant's nuclear waste; Congressman Peter Welch says Congress needs to end the political gridlock over rising energy prices and he'll back a bipartisan plan that includes additional drilling options for oil companies...
Morning Newscast: July 16, 2008 Wednesday, 07/16/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Trouble continues at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, and they've attracted the attention of federal and state regulators; A recent report by the Attorney General's office says drug companies are targeting key doctors in the state, in hopes of influencing the decisions other doctors make; Governor Jim Douglas is praising Vermont's first two-day sales tax holiday and has hinted he'd support making it an annual event...
Feds visit, state complains about loss of public confidence over Vermont Yankee Wednesday, 07/16/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Trouble continues at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, and they've attracted the attention of federal and state regulators.
Morning Newscast: July 15, 2008 Tuesday, 07/15/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to know if repairs made last year contributed to the latest problem with Vermont Yankee's cooling towers; New Hampshire's congressional delegation is divided along party lines on President Bush's decision to lift an executive ban on offshore oil drilling...
Midday Newscast: July 14, 2008 Monday, 07/14/08 12:20pm and 12:20pm - VPR News Here are the top stories at noon: Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie wants the governor to call a special legislative session to consider a series of legislative reforms; The Nuclear Regulator Commission is sending experts to investigate a cooling tower leak at Vermont Yankee; Progressive gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina is proposing a new credit card...
Morning Newscast: July 14, 2008 Monday, 07/14/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Vermont Yankee nuclear plant remains at only 25 percent power today in the wake of discovery of problems in cooling towers and continued low flow of its water source -- the Connecticut River; With heating oil prices skyrocketing, many people are looking at alternative, less costly ways to heat their homes...
Vermont Yankee still at 25 percent power as repairs continue Monday, 07/14/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Vermont Yankee nuclear plant remains at only 25 percent power today in the wake of discovery of problems in cooling towers and continued low flow of its water source -- the Connecticut River.
VPR Evening News July 11th, 2008 Friday, 07/11/08 6:17pm and 6:17pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee cuts its power output because of a cooling tower leak; A Bennington couple may be additionally compensated for land lost to a highway project; Barre considers a sex offender housing ordinance; A tax holiday in Vermont this weekend; and Burlington increases parking fees.
Midday Newscast: July 11, 2008 Friday, 07/11/08 12:15pm and 12:15pm - VPR News Here are the top stories at noon: Vermonters can take a holiday this weekend, at least if they want to avoid the state sales tax; The owners of Vermont Yankee are making the economic argument that what's good for the company is good for the state; Shelburne philanthropist Lois McClure says Vermont has to get ready to care for its aging population...
PSB begins investigation of Vermont Yankee future Friday, 07/11/08 8:04am and 8:04am - VPR News The Public Service Board is beginning the process that will decide whether to authorize the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant to operate until 2032.
VPR Evening News July 2nd, 2008 Wednesday, 07/02/08 6:29pm and 6:29pm - VPR News The Douglas Administration is criticizing Legislative choices for Vermont Yankee overseers; Green Mountain Power wins regulatory approval to reward customers who install solar generators; The Vermont State Treasurer is urging Vermonters to speak out on federal rules on credit card billing practices; A press conference is being held with updates in the case of Brooke Bennett; and commentator Art Woolf on economic interdependence.
Douglas signs Yankee reliability assessment bill Monday, 06/09/08 7:04am and 7:04am - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas has signed into law a bill calling for a comprehensive reliability assessment at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant before lawmakers vote next year on whether the plant's license should be extended for 20 years beyond 2012.
Vermont Yankee to store low level waste on site Thursday, 06/05/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News The owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant says it has enough room to store low-level radioactive waste on its site in Vernon for 10 years.
Entergy's stance on decommissioning fund appears to change Thursday, 06/05/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News Vermont Yankee owner Entergy Nuclear says only its subsidiary, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, is responsible to pay the costs of decommissioning the plant when it eventually shuts down.
VPR Evening News May 30th, 2008 Friday, 05/30/08 6:09pm and 6:09pm - VPR News Questions are being raised about the financial stability of Vermont Yankee’s new owners; Secretary of State Deb Markowitz says she’d like to see the national political parties adopt a regional presidential primary system in 2012; A new law requires the installation of photoelectric smoke detectors in new homes; Copley Hospital and a nurses union reach agreement on a new-three year contract; and commentator Deborah Luskin on how she came to live in the Green Mountains.
Douglas administration raises questions about Entergy's corporate restructuring Friday, 05/30/08 5:50pm and 5:50pm - VPR News The Douglas Administration is raising questions about the financial stability of the new owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The administration says the new company will be financially weak because it will have to borrow billions of dollars. But the new questions are prompting critics to ask why the governor vetoed a recent Vermont Yankee bill. The bill would have required the new owners to guarantee it has enough money set aside to decommission the plant.
Douglas administration rips Entergy reorganization plan Friday, 05/30/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News Three weeks after Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed legislation seeking guarantees behind the Vermont Yankee decommissioning fund, his administration is raising its own questions about the financial stability of a proposed new owner for the nuclear plant.
VPR Evening News May 29th, 2008 Thursday, 05/29/08 6:30pm and 6:30pm - VPR News Progressive Anthony Pollina is committed to his gubernatorial campaign; Officials are pleased with a test of an emergency evacuation plan in the towns around Vermont Yankee; A judge will decide next week whether a school shooting suspect can use an insanity defense; Woodbury College will develop mediation training for judges and lawyers in China; A pair of ospreys is raising young on a platform above Leffert’s Pond in Chittenden; and commentator Willem Lange on the legend of Mount Chocorua.
Interview: Mark Bosma on the Vermont Yankee evacuation drill Thursday, 05/29/08 7:49am and 7:49am - VPR News During a drill held last month there were reported problems with radios used to communicate between a field office and a staging area for buses used to take people out of the danger zone. Mark Bosma is the Public Information Officer for the Vermont Emergency Management Agency and says, while it wasn't perfection, things did go more smoothly this time around, when another drill was held yesterday.
Morning Newscast: May 28, 2008 Wednesday, 05/28/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: The Middlebury College community is reacting to the news that police have pulled the body of a man from below the falls in Otter Creek, the body they believe is missing student Nick Garza; A proposed housing project in Windsor has triggered debate over the role of environmental groups in the development review process...
Second evacuation drill planned after glitch last month Wednesday, 05/28/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News The state will be conducting a second school evacuation drill around the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant today, after a radio glitch caused problems with last month's drill.
Experts says replacing energy contracts will require changes in supply mix Thursday, 05/22/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News Vermont utilities rely on Hydro Quebec and Vermont Yankee for two-thirds of their power. But contracts for that electricity begin to expire in four years. Energy experts say replacing those contracts will force the state to consider some big changes in its mix of power supplies. VPR's Jane Lindholm reports.
Entergy nuclear spinoff plan meets resistance in NY Wednesday, 05/21/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News The owner of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is running into opposition in New York state over its plan to spin off its northeastern nuclear division into a standalone company.
VPR Evening News May 19th, 2008 Monday, 05/19/08 6:11pm and 6:11pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee’s first attempt to move radioactive spent fuel ended in a mishap last week; Advocates of same-sex marriage say a decision by the California Supreme Court should help their cause in Vermont; The Vermont Supreme Court has given a green light to the company that wants to build a new set of power lines to serve northwestern Vermont; Vermont’s top Roman Catholic clergyman has written to parishioners around the state, following a $8.7 million dollar judgement against the Diocese of Burlington; Republican Karen Kerin has announced she is running for Attorney General; and commentator Philip Baruth on Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”.
Electrical problem causes mishap as Vermont Yankee tries to move fuel Monday, 05/19/08 5:50pm and 5:50pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee's first attempt to move radioactive spent fuel ended in a mishap last week. An electrical relay on a crane failed and the fuel container slipped about four inches to the floor. State and federal regulators said no radiation was released, and that the public was not in danger.
No penalty for Vermont Yankee collapsed cooling tower Thursday, 05/08/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant isn't going to be penalized for allowing a cooling tower to degrade so badly it collapsed last summer.
Douglas vetoes Vermont Yankee decommissioning bill Wednesday, 05/07/08 5:50pm and 5:50pm - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas has vetoed a bill that would have required Vermont Yankee to guarantee there's enough money to dismantle the nuclear plant when it shuts down. Douglas said the legislation would have forced Yankee to charge more for electricity. But Democrats pounced on the veto, and accused the governor of protecting Yankee's out-of-state owners.
VPR Evening News May 2nd, 2008 Friday, 05/02/08 6:29pm and 6:29pm - VPR News Congressional negotiators have agreed on a renewal of the farm bill that includes an expanded milk price support program; Negotiators in the Vermont House and Senate have reached agreement on next year’s budget, one of the final steps before adjournment; A provision that contains an exemption to the billboard ban draws criticism; Questions remain about whether Governor Douglas will sign legislation dealing with the Vermont Yankee decommissioning fund; A St. Johnsbury company has closed, putting 80 people out of work; Workers have repaired a gate on a Connecticut River hydroelectric dam; and commentator Mary McCallulm on one special graduation ceremony.
Shumlin says Democrats will make Yankee decommissioning a campaign issue Friday, 05/02/08 5:50pm and 5:50pm - VPR News One of the biggest issues still to be resolved at the Statehouse is whether or not Governor Jim Douglas is going to sign legislation dealing with the decommissioning fund for the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Vermont Yankee may become part of “Enexus” Friday, 05/02/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon may soon have a new corporate name. Plant owner Entergy Nuclear has chosen the name Enexus Energy Corporation for Vermont Yankee and a number of other properties.
Douglas likely to veto decommissioning bill Wednesday, 04/30/08 6:34am and 6:34am - VPR News It looks likely that Governor Jim Douglas will veto a bill relating to the decommissioning of Vermont Yankee. The bill says that if Vermont Yankee is transferred to a new limited liability company, the new company has to prove it can cover the full cost of dismantling the plant.
Nuke plant's owners want to dip into decommissioning fund Monday, 04/28/08 7:04am and 7:04am - VPR News Vermont Yankee's owners want to use money from its decommissioning fund to pay for spent fuel storage instead, and that plans is drawing criticism from lawmakers.
VPR Evening News April 24, 2008 Thursday, 04/24/08 6pm and 6pm - VPR News Here are tonight's top stories: The Vermont House has approved legislation that backers hope will reduce drunken driving in Vermont; A quick-fix road repair program that Governor Jim Douglas called "Operation Smooth Ride" has run into some bumps in the Legislature; Governor Jim Douglas says Vermonters could pay higher electric rates because of a bill that requires Vermont Yankee to show it has enough money to decommission the plant; A bird's eye view of the Governor's weekly press conference...
Douglas warns Yankee bill could cause increase in rates Thursday, 04/24/08 5:50pm and 5:50pm - VPR News Governor Jim Douglas says Vermonters could pay higher electric rates because of a bill that requires Vermont Yankee to show it has enough money to decommission the plant. The decommissioning bill won final approval on Thursday in the House. It will soon head to the governor for his signature - or his veto.
Morning Newscast: April 24, 2008 Thursday, 04/24/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: The House today overcame objections from the business community and approved a bill targeted at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant; At least three Vermonters are among U.S. service members stranded in Kuwait even though they're supposed to be headed back from Iraq and Afghanistan.
VPR Evening News April 18th, 2008 Friday, 04/18/08 6:33pm and 6:33pm - VPR News The Legislature is moving ahead on a bill that requires the owners of Vermont Yankee to set aside more money to dismantle the plant; The process to cut next year’s budget by 25 million dollars is back on track at the Statehouse; The body of a missing kayaker has been found; and commentator Deborah Doyle-Schectman says one proposed budget-cutting measure doesn’t add up.
VPR Evening News April 16th, 2008 Wednesday, 04/16/08 6:10pm and 6:10pm - VPR News A list of nearly 40 million dollars in budget cuts was presented to key lawmakers and the Douglas Administration; The Senate Government Operations Committee rejects a proposed constitutional amendment creating a four year term for governor; Federal nuclear regulators have promised to work with the state on a safety inspection of Vermont Yankee; and commentator Alia Stavrand Woolf still feels connected to her Vermont roots.
Morning Newscast: April 10, 2008 Thursday, 04/10/08 7:40am and 7:40am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:40 a.m.: Vermont has avoided the most serious problems in the housing and credit markets, but a new report shows that real estate sales and prices have both declined over the winter; Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing for the extension of tax credits for renewable energy projects...
PSB hears from public about nuclear spinoff Thursday, 04/10/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News Residents from Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire are urging Vermont's Public Service Board to use caution as it considers Entergy Nuclear's proposal to spin off its five nuclear plants in the Northeast into a separate company.
Audit finds problems at nuclear parts supplier Thursday, 04/10/08 6:06am and 6:06am - VPR News The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says there's no indication there were any problems with parts that were not inspected properly before being sent to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon.
Vermont Yankee fails to find leak, returns to full power Friday, 04/04/08 7:05am and 7:05am - VPR News Vermont Yankee is returning to full power after technicians failed to find the source of a leak of Connecticut River water into the nuclear plant's cooling system.
NRC takes 32 years to respond to petition Wednesday, 04/02/08 6:43am and 6:43am - VPR News The First Amendment says people can petition the government for a redress of grievances, but what if the government takes 32 years to respond?
VPR Evening News March 31st, 2008 Monday, 03/31/08 6:10pm and 6:10pm - VPR News Vermont's Democratic super-delegates have different ideas about the factors they should consider in selecting their party's presidential nominee; Vermont Yankee is reducing its power output for several days so workers can fix a small leak; Eight people were injured when a tour bus slid off I-89 in Highgate; The commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife says a recent increase in hunting bodes well for the department's finances; Green Mountain Power Corporation says its customers saw fewer power outages in 2007 than in previous years; Longtime Democratic activist Violet Coffin has died at the age of 87; and commentator Peter Gilbert on ESP.
Lawmakers push for independent review of Vermont Yankee Monday, 03/31/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News In the coming weeks, lawmakers will be voting on a plan to conduct an independent safety inspection of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant. Backers of the proposal say it's critical to complete the review before the plant can receive a 20-year license extension. But there's heated debate over the scope of this investigation. VPR's Bob Kinzel reports.
Nuclear Activist retires after 37 years with Coalition Thursday, 03/27/08 7:49am and 7:49am - VPR News For nearly 4 decades, Diana Sidebotham has watched and worried, but also acted. The 75-year old Sidebotham is the former head of the nuclear watchdog group The New England Coalition, the only organization currently bringing a legal challenge to the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant's efforts to keep running for another 20 years beyond its 2012 expiration date. Sidebotham speaks with VPR's Mitch Wertlieb about her retirement.
Vermont Yankee tells NRC it will cost $728 million to dismantle plant in 2012 Friday, 03/07/08 6:02pm and 6:02pm - VPR News Vermont Yankee has told federal regulators that it will cost 728 million dollars to dismantle the reactor if its shuts down in 2012. Yankee says if the plant continues to operate past that date, the decommissioning costs will go down slightly. VPR's John Dillon reports.
Senate committee wants oversight of Vermont Yankee Tuesday, 03/04/08 7:11am and 7:11am - VPR News A state Senate committee wants the Legislature to appoint a panel that would oversee an independent review of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Feds to release final safety evaluation Monday Friday, 02/22/08 7:39am and 7:39am - VPR News Federal regulators are getting ready to issue their safety evaluation of Vermont Yankee's plan to stay open an extra 20 years.
Legislature to investigate Entergy’s corporate structure Thursday, 02/14/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News The legislature has hired a consultant to investigate the corporate structure of Entergy, the company that owns Vermont Yankee. Entergy wants to set up a new company that would own some of its nuclear power plants, including Vermont Yankee.
Morning Newscast: February 11, 2008 Monday, 02/11/08 7:45am and 7:45am - VPR News Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.
Legislature considers decommissioning fund Monday, 02/11/08 7:34am and 7:34am - VPR News During this legislative session, the Vermont Yankee power plant will be heavy on the minds of lawmakers. One big issue has to do with decommissioning. Lawmakers say they may require Yankee to set aside enough money to completely dismantle the plant when its license expires in 2012. VPR's John Dillon reports.

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