Activists rally against nuclear energy

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Energy and environmental groups rallied on Beacon Hill Wednesday, voicing concerns over nuclear energy in the aftermath of Japan’s nuclear disaster.

Demonstrators say nuclear power plants in Plymouth, New Hampshire and Vermont are based on old and risky technology similar to Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant. They’re asking that no new reactors be built in the U.S. and that all licenses for existing plants be denied until all safety concerns are fully addressed.

Energy consultant Paul Blanch says that while New England may not have tsunami fears, nuclear disaster could happen if there were ever an electrical power blackout.

“These events can be caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, terrorist attacks,” said Blanch, “and [Plymouth’s] Pilgrim [nuclear power station] cannot survive core damage for more than four to eight hours.”

Demonstrators are further concerned by the global impact of nuclear energy. Last week state public health officials announced that low concentrations of radiation, originating from Japan, were found in a rainwater sample in Massachusetts.

“This is one of the things that’s so crazy about nuclear power,” said Environment Massachusetts energy advocate Ben Wright. “It is so risky that a disaster that happens actually on the other side of the world has effects here in Massachusetts.”

The rally was held before a legislative hearing at the State House. Nuclear power plant owners from Plymouth’s Pilgrim, Vermont Yankee and Seebrook in New Hampshire are scheduled to testify before lawmakers on their safety procedures.