BOSTON – Anti-nuclear activists will rally Monday at the State House calling on Governor Baker to support the immediate shutdown of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.
The Cape Downwinders want Baker to ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to close the Plymouth facility. The organization says Baker has a “moral responsibility to protect the health and safety of the citizens” as the state’s chief safety officer.
“It is time to confront a government that is failing the people of the Commonwealth,” said Diane Turco, Director of the Cape Downwinders. “With ongoing problems at the repetitively degrading Pilgrim, the entire region, including metro-Boston, is put at serious risk that can be avoided through strong leadership and action.”
Pilgrim has been plagued by safety violations in recent years, including a series of unplanned shutdowns. The plant was hit with four new safety citations last week.
The station is under increased oversight by federal inspectors and is one of the three worst performing reactors in the country in the eyes of the NRC.
Pilgrim is scheduled to close in 2019. Plant-owner Entergy says the facility is no longer financially viable.
The rally is planned for 11 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.