Vermont’s nuclear watchdog has gone quiet

Ann Darling, a member of the Citizens Awareness Network, has voiced strong criticism regarding the transparency and public outreach efforts of Vermont's Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (NDCAP). Darling contends that the NDCAP has failed in its mandate to facilitate open communication and community involvement concerning the decommissioning and future use of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant site.

The former nuclear site, which ceased operations in 2014, is now almost fully decommissioned, though it still houses 60 casks of highly radioactive waste and retains crucial electrical transmission infrastructure. Its owner, NorthStar, has leased the property to PowerTransitions, a Texas-based energy development company reportedly evaluating the site for various uses, including a small modular nuclear reactor, battery storage, or a data center. Darling expresses deep concern over the lack of public information about this lease and the associated plans, especially given the site's documented chemical (PFAS) and radiological contamination.

Darling points to the NDCAP's reduced meeting schedule and lack of public engagement, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal developments from the public. This lack of transparency is seen in the broader context of Governor Phil Scott's efforts to classify nuclear power as clean energy and to repeal legislative oversight on its future use in Vermont. Furthermore, the governor recently vetoed legislation that sought to impose "guardrails" on data center developments, adding to the environmental group's apprehension about potential unchecked projects at the Vernon site.