There is no debate. Vermont Yankee has made bad decisions and been less than perfect partner with the state. A breach of trust with the people of Vermont leaves a terrible scar on all of us. In my mind, there are still many, many unanswered questions about whether we should relicense for another 20 years.
Today, I and others have tried many avenues in order to be responsible and compromising before the final outcome to no avail. I cannot stand by and vote to support what I view as a blatant political maneuver. My “yes” vote is a reminder there is more at stake today than scoring political points. The future of 600 jobs, affordable power, and the Vermont economy should not be decided in a rush to judgment.
Unfortunately for the people of Vermont, politics came before a responsible process today. Vermonters deserve better than this.