Vernon, Vermont - January 20, 2012
Steve Mcavoy's home is just across the street from Vermont's only nuclear power plant, Vermont Yankee. For the past 28 years, the location has made for a short commute to work.
"I thought it was a good thing for the town and the state," Mcavoy said.
The recently retired Vermont Yankee chemistry supervisor is pleased with a federal judge's decision to keep the plant open.
"You read about Vermont being low in money, $100,000 in debt. This puts money in their coffers and it keeps Vernon taxes down," Mcavoy said.
Mcavoy says the 600 employees at the plant are also rejoicing.
"It's a great thing because I had techs that were in their 30s just starting a family and it's tough to start a family if you don't know what the history of your job is going to be like," he said.
Windham County residents have been closely watching for the outcome of the court case.
John Nebelski said, "Why close a good thing?"
Nebelski also lives close to plant and is not concerned about his safety, but was concerned about the economic impact if Yankee closed. The plant pumps an estimated $100 million into the Windham County economy every year, according to Rep. Mike Hebert, R-Vernon.
Reporter Gina Bullard: If the plant got shut down, what would that mean for this community?
John Nebelski: I think we'd be hurting. The whole state would be hurting.
Officials at Vermont Yankee were advised by their lawyers not to comment about their reaction to the ruling; same goes for their 600 employees who were able to keep their jobs.
Not everyone is happy with the ruling; some still have safety and environmental concerns.
"I... I'm very shocked," said Dede Cummings of Brattleboro.
In the next town over, many Brattleboro residents were outraged by court's decision.
"It's old, it's decrepit, it's a danger to the health of the neighboring area," Cummings said.
Opponents argue 40 years is long enough. The plant should close when the original license expires in March.
"Entergy is such a big company with big people with tiny hearts and lots of money," said Brighter Martel of Brattleboro. "I'm steaming mad about it.
Inside Amy's Arts Bakery Café, the judge's ruling was a hot topic of conversation Friday.
"I think as human beings we have a responsibility to take care of the planet that nourishes us and allows us to survive, and I believe any government that doesn't make that a priority is illegitimate," Martel said.
In addition to the 600 jobs at the plant, it's estimated Vermont Yankee created an additional 600 jobs in the community. But opponents argue the decommissioning of the plant would also create employment.
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