Douglas: Yankee costs no concern of lawmakers

Gov. Jim Douglas says lawmakers should not concern themselves with the cost of power from Vermont Yankee if the plant operates after 2012.

Douglas says lawmakers should vote on whether they want the plant to keep operating and leave what the power might cost to the Public Service Board.

The governor told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that the board should know what Vermont Yankee power will cost before deciding whether to allow the plant to operate after the expiration of its current license in 2012.

Legislative leaders have said they want to know about the costs of power from the plant before voting on its future. Talks between Vermont Yankee and the state's two major power companies remain unresolved.