Last week, the New England Coalition filed a complaint with the Vermont Supreme Court asking for an injunction to force the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant to cease operations until the Public Service Board rules on a Certificate of Public Good - the state’s operating license. On Monday, the Vermont Department of Public Service asked the Court to deny that petition.
The coalition claims Entergy is violating an agreement that the plant would not operate without the state certificate - which expired last March. On Monday, the Vermont Department of Public Service filed its response to the coalition’s complaint. Department Director for Public Advocacy Goeff Commons says while they are sympathetic to the coalition’s goal and appreciate their advocacy, they are asking the Vermont Supreme Court to deny the petition.
Entergy Vermont Yankee has also filed a request to stop the New England Coalition complaint from moving forward, according to spokesman Rob Williams.
The New England Coalition is surprised that the Public Service Department is asking the court to deny their petition. Coalition Advisor Ray Shadis.
Vermont Law School Professor Cheryl Hanna believes it would be difficult for the Coalition to make a case for a preliminary injunction, especially since they are attempting to shut down the plant before there is a decision on the merits of the case.
The Department of Public Service, the New England Coalition and other parties have filed testimony with the Public Service Board opposing the nuclear power plant’s request for a Certificate of Public Good.
