PLYMOUTH – A group opposed to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station has sent a letter to a number of elected officials in Massachusetts, asking them to support an immediate shutdown of the troubled station.
The Cape Downwinders say a recent internal Nuclear Regulatory Commission e-mail released to the public highlights the need to close down the plant. In that e-mail, the lead federal inspector said staff seemed “overwhelmed” just trying to run the plant.
The letter was sent to Gov. Charlie Baker, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Attorney General Maura Healey. The Downwinders want Baker, Warren, Markey, and Healey to ask the NRC to close the Plymouth facility.
“This exposure of the poor safety climate, ongoing mismanagement, lack of maintenance, training, and resources demands bold leadership from Governor Baker, Senator Market, Senator Warren, AG Healey, and other, including the [State Senate and State House of Representatives] to speak up for public safety now,” the Downwinders said in a press release.
Pilgrim is under increased federal scrutiny after their safety rating was downgraded last year by the NRC following a series of safety violations and unplanned shutdowns. The station is one-step away from a mandated shutdown.
NRC inspectors will return to the station early in January to complete their inspection of Pilgrim.