Vt. lawmakers push for nuke plant license renewal

MONTPELIER, Vt.

Four Vermont senators say their colleagues in Montpelier should take into consideration a report that says relicensing Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is the smartest course for the state, from an economic standpoint.

The report by legislative economists Tom Kavet and Jeff Carr, which was commissioned by lawmakers 16 months ago,

It says allowing Vermont Yankee to operate past its 2012 license expiration and adopting a renewable energy policy will lead to the best result for jobs, the economy overall and lower utility bills for customers.

Endorsing it were Republican state Sens. Phil Scott and Peg Flory and Democratic Sens. Richard Mazza and Robert Starr.

The state Senate voted Feb. 24 to block Vermont Yankee from operating past 2012.

Vermont Yankee is owned by New Orleans-based Entergy Corp.