Letter: Markey has fought for nuclear safety

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January 14, 2013

Letter: Markey has fought for nuclear safety

Anonymous Gloucester Daily Times The Gloucester Daily Times Mon Jan 14, 2013, 12:00 AM EST

To the Editor:

Our “No More Fukushimas!” organizatrion proudly endorses Congressman Edward Markey for the anticipated open U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts.

For decades, Congressman Markey has “had the back” of area families in regard to safety at the Seabrook nuclear power plant. He has fought for nuclear safety, although the people who would be most affected by a radiological emergency at the plant do not live in his district. As he runs for the Senate, it is our turn to have his back.

Ed Markey has not rested on his laurels. During the Seabrook plant relicensing struggle, Markey has continued to fight by:

Constantly questioning the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) about concrete degradation at the Seabrook plant, degradation that could weaken critical plant safety structures and result in a catastrophe;

Insisting that the NRC convene public meetings in this area about the ongoing concrete degradation problem;

Co-sponsoring with Congressman Tierney the “Nuclear Reactor Safety First Act” (HR 6554), which would prevent the NRC from relicensing plants — including Seabrook — prior to 10 years before their license expires.

In contrast, Scott Brown — a likely senatorial opponent — has done absolutely nothing hat we can see on behalf of public safety at the Seabrook or Pilgrim nuclear plants during the relicensing struggle. Brown is so committed to nuclear plant owners that he refuses to do anything that may upset them — even if it jeopardizes the safety of his own constituents.

Ed Markey has fought the NRC numerous times on behalf of people in Massachusetts and across the nation who face risks from nuclear power plants, and he has urged the NRC to consider the lessons learned from the Fukushima disaster in nuclear power plant oversight. Please join us in supporting Ed Markey for the U.S. Senate because of his unrivaled leadership in supporting the safety of families, rather than the financial security of nuclear plant investors.

BRUCE SKUD

Newburyport

JOANNA HAMMOND

Amesbury

Co-founders, No More Fukushimas!