Posted on September 14, 2017
HARTFORD – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) is NOT giving up on Millstone. This morning she sent a follow-up letter to House Speaker Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader Ritter, after sending an original letter yesterday afternoon pleading with them to allow the General Assembly to vote to allow Millstone to be part of the state’s procurement process.
The Legislative Finance Committee is meeting this morning to prepare to decide on a biennium budget for the State of Connecticut during a legislative session this afternoon.
“The first time I toured Millstone as a state representative was in September 2015,” said Rep. McCarty. “I toured the plant again in July 2016. During these tours, I – along with some of my legislative colleagues – learned about the environmental and economic benefits of nuclear energy. I said then that Millstone is a good community partner that boosts economic growth while remaining a positive entity for the environment in our region and beyond; I continue to say the very same things today, but with even more urgency. I have been fighting for this type of legislation since before May 2016, and I will no longer accept such disregard towards our critical need for action.”
“I have heard from countless of my constituents regarding this issue,” Rep. McCarty said. “Several have asked how they can help Millstone to stay in Connecticut. If democratic leaders refuse to hear the desperation of Southeastern Connecticut legislators and their testimonies on behalf of Millstone, the employees and local residents want to step up to help push the issue.”
One constituent said, “The question is not if Millstone will close, but when… the cost outweighs the benefit of staying in this business… Being held hostage to the reality of inevitable closing, and the threat that it will be now, rather than later... Waterford will be “stuck” with radioactive material on site long after the plant stops generating power.”
Another wrote, “As a resident of the Town of Waterford, I support Representative Kathleen McCarty’s position… legislation submitted by your caucus [must] include the opportunity for Dominion to be part of the state’s energy procurement process. I feel it is vital that this proposal be considered for a vote. Representative McCarty cites multiple reasons why the loss of Millstone would have adverse impact not only for the town of Waterford but for the state of Connecticut. As such, please consider [Rep. McCarty’s] letter and request to include this legislation in the budget process that will occur today. I look forward to your supportive response on this matter as it demonstrates your active commitment to invest in the future of Connecticut.”