Posted on August 14, 2017
WATERFORD – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford), who recently encouraged constituents to attend a public hearing being held this week by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), has submitted testimony of her own in regards to the governor’s Executive Order 59, requiring a study of Millstone.
Please find Rep. McCarty’s testimony below:
Thank you for this opportunity to submit written comments for the record on Docket No. 17-07-32 pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 59.
Let me begin by stating that I am the State Representative for the 38th District, Waterford and a portion of Montville. Waterford is my home town, and the home to Millstone Power Plant, the largest power generating facility and only nuclear power facility left in Connecticut. It goes without saying that the economic well-being of Southeastern Connecticut, as well as the entire state, depends on the viability of Millstone.
As you are all well aware, energy markets are in flux continuously. Due in large part to low natural gas prices, nuclear power plants have been challenged to remain in the energy market. Neighboring states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont have witnessed nuclear power plants retiring and closing prematurely.
As a state, we cannot afford to lose our nuclear power plant for many reasons including, but not limited to, the adverse negative impact a premature closing of Millstone would have on the environment, the economy, and the cost of electricity in the State of Connecticut.
In light of the fiscal crisis facing the state, and the ongoing exodus of major corporations from Connecticut, I cannot understand why the state of Connecticut would want to risk a premature closing of Millstone. The state must be proactive and act now to preserve Millstone, protect jobs, and maintain clean energy for the benefit of our citizens. Millstone has been more than cooperative with the state; it is now time for the state to reciprocate and take the correct and necessary steps to keep this important asset in Connecticut.
With respect to the environment, Millstone Power Station supplies 98% of carbon dioxide-free electricity power in the state. It does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide associated with acid rain and smog.* Nuclear energy is a non-pollutant to the environment. (NEI) Millstone provides nearly 60% of the electricity consumed in the state without polluting the environment.
Furthermore, and unlike many other sources of energy, nuclear energy can produce large amounts of electricity around the clock and throughout the various seasons. Nuclear power is therefore simultaneously both clean energy and reliable energy.
Dr. Susan Tierney from The Analysis Group noted that if Millstone retired early carbon-dioxide emissions from Connecticut’s power plants would increase by approximately 2.2 million metric tons annually. To put this figure in perspectve that is the equivalent of adding 470, 000 passenger vehicles to the road. According to Dr. Tierney, Connecticut’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels would be that much more difficult if not impossible to attain without Millstone.
For the State of Connecticut to meet its clean- air goals, comply with its Integrated Resources Plan, and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative it must include nuclear power in its portfolio.
Undoubtedly, Millstone Power Plant has a vital role to play in the State of Connecticut for providing clean carbon-free energy, for helping the State meet its clean-air goals and for spurring and maintaining economic development.
Millstone Power Plant is a powerful economic driver in the region spending over 100 million dollars in annual salaries to over 1500 full-time employees, and supporting approximately 4,000 jobs in Connecticut. Millstone contributes $1.5 billion in economic impact to the State of Connecticut. It ranks as one of the 75th largest employers in the state. (Chumura Economics).
A recent economic impact study from the Nuclear Energy Institute states that between 2016 and 2030 Millstone Power Station will generate more than $12 billion in economic benefits in Connecticut. In such a challenging and difficult fiscal climate, the State of Connecticut must do all within its power to preserve and promote jobs at Millstone Power Plant.
In summary, nuclear power produces carbon-free clean, reliable energy. Millstone is responsible for numerous economic development benefits to the region and state. The power plant is an exemplary community corporate partner to Waterford and surrounding communities. As one of the largest taxpayers in the town of Waterford, Millstone has allowed the community to build new schools, I might add geothermal schools, and improve the quality of life for Waterford’s residents. Millstone has a scholarship program with Three Rivers Community College, it launched the Waterford Education Foundation with its very first grant, it does ongoing and quality environmental research at its Environmental Lab, and shares all of its data with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Millstone should have an opportunity to participate in a competitive state process and with other eligible energy resources (natural gas, large-scale hydro, other renewable sources) to sell power directly to Connecticut consumers. To date, nuclear power has been excluded from this bidding process. Competition is ultimately in the best interests of the ratepayer who are concerned about the rising costs of electricity.
Finally, it should be noted that both previous legislative bills related to Millstone contained language that gave ample oversight to DEEP to accept or reject any bid by Dominion depending on whether or not the bid was in the best interest of the ratepayer. A Connecticut Millstone is a win-win situation for our residents.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Kathleen M. McCarty
State Representative, 38th District
Waterford, Montville