Nuclear power plant Vermont Yankee is vying for a 20-year extension of its license, which expires in 2012. Voices from around the state are speaking out about the impact of this decision, arguing the economic, safety and environmental implications of the plant's continued operation.
On Thursday, Feb. 24, hear two experts on nuclear energy debate the issue in the next installment of UVM's Janus Forum: "Vermont Yankee: Shut It Down or Keep It Running?"
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 4 p.m. in the Davis Center's Silver Maple Ballroom. A reception will immediately follow.
Speaking in support of Vermont Yankee is Howard Shaffer, who has been a member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) for 34 years. He has contributed to the American Society of Mechanichal Engineers and ANS standards committees and was the 2001 ANS Congressional Fellow. Shaffer, who holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Duke University and a master of science degree in nuclear engineering from MIT, is a current member of the ANS Public Information Committee and a regular contributor to the ANS Nuclear Cafe.
His opponent in the debate is Arnold Gundersen, chief engineer of Fairewinds Associates, the firm responsible for analyzing the shortfall in Vermont Yankee's decommissioning fund, which resulted in a review of such funds at nuclear sites around the country. Gundersen, who is a former industry executive and licensed reactor operator, provides testimony on nuclear operations, reliability, safety, and radiation issues to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Congressional and State Legislatures, and government agencies and officials throughout the U.S. and internationally.
The is the sixth installment of the Janus Forum, a debate series founded by James Gatti, a finance professor in UVM's School of Business Administration; Arthur Woolf, an economics professor in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Richard Vanden Bergh, also of the School of Business Administration.
"The goal of the debate series is to examine the important and controversial policy issues of the day and to challenge individuals to reexamine their views in the light of well-articulated contrary positions," Gatti said. "People who have a strongly held position on an issue sometimes dismiss opposing points of view out of hand. We want to expose the audience to vigorous arguments on both sides of the debate."
The forum will be moderated by Emerson Lynn, editor and publisher of the St. Albans Messenger. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should call Conference and Events as soon as possible at (802) 656-5665.
Information: (802) 656-3186.
Additional reading
Provided by Shaffer:
Provided by Gundersen: