The closure of a nuclear power plant drastically impacts the operating revenue of the host community and the local schools. We need our Federal elected officials to pass the Senate’s STRANDED Act (Sensible, Timely Relief for America’s Nuclear Districts’ Economic Development) and the House of Representatives’ ERNAC Act (Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities)!

Background:

The Government promised in the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act to make "Annual impact assistance payments to States or appropriate units of local government to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the establishment and operation of interim nuclear waste storage capacity within the jurisdictional boundaries of an affected community; and established the rate for impact assistance payments at $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel."

Why This Matters:

These annual assistance payments represent a significant amount of money for communities. For example, the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in New York is currently storing 1,773,900 kg of this waste, equaling an impact assistance grant of $26.6 Million per year.

The current system of spent nuclear fuel storage is not sustainable, particularly for sites that no longer have operating reactors and that could be redeveloped for other beneficial uses. It is also a violation of the promise, codified decades ago, that the federal government would take responsibility for the waste in return for ratepayers' contributions to the Nuclear Waste Fund.

How You Can Help:

Write to your U.S. Senators and Congressional Representative urging them to pass the STRANDED Act / ERNAC Act. Fill in the form to TAKE ACTION. Feel free to edit the letter and tell them a bit about yourself and why you are writing. Most importantly, PLEASE SHARE. We can do more together!