Indian Point gives reason to worry.....

Indian Point gives reason to worry
Since the recent earthquake in Japan, every day brings new reports about the damage to the Kashiwasaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, including spillage and leaks of hundreds of gallons of radioactively contaminated water.
Predictably, the plant's owner says, "Don't worry, the plant is safe."
I can't help but think of Entergy's similarly comforting statements. Entergy says don't worry that the Indian Point plant site is built on a seismic fault line. Don't worry that we have not been able to get the new evacuation sirens to work. Don't worry that Indian Point has been leaking irradiated water for years, and we still are not sure of where it is all coming from and flowing to, or how much water and irradiation is escaping. Don't worry that Indian Point was given consideration as a 9/11 target.
With Indian Point's application to renew its operating license for 20 more years, now is the time for all of us living in the plant's environs to raise our voices and come down on the side of our health and our safety.
Glenn Rickles
Croton-on-Hudson

Extra Indian Point review unnecessary
In response to your article, "Clinton asks Indian Point officials to back independent safety review," (July 20) Sen. Hillary Clinton deserves to be commended for her common-sense approach to issues regarding Indian Point. While so many of the plants' opponents are merely pursuing an extreme anti-nuclear agenda, Sen. Clinton seems to be factoring the state's energy needs and the critical role Indian Point plays in supplying clean, affordable electricity as she stakes out reasonable positions.
Indian Point is already one of the most scrutinized nuclear plants in the country. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is beginning the most rigorous, top-to-bottom review of Indian Point in its nearly 35-year history through the license renewal process. As such, an "Independent Safety Assessment,'' as called for in legislation introduced by Sen. Clinton, is unnecessary because the NRC already conducts the safety procedures proposed in the bill.
Nonetheless, our political leaders should follow the example set by Sen. Clinton by pursuing fact-based, civil discourse on real issues related to the safe operations of these vital plants.
Jerry Kremer
New York
The writer is chairman of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, a nonprofit organization advocating for reliable, affordable and clean energy solutions.