House Panel Hears Testimony on Bill to Keep Nuclear Generating Plants SafeFeb 26 - Targeted News Service
The Michigan State House Republicans issued the following news release on the behalf of Michigan State Rep. Al Pscholka : Measure clarifies rights, duties of security personnel The House Energy and Technology Committee today heard testimony on a bill that clarifies the rights and duties of personnel who provide security at the state's nuclear power generation facilities. House Bill 5282, introduced by state Rep. Al Pscholka , R- Stevensville , authorizes security officers at nuclear plants to use physical force - and, if necessary, deadly force - to deter intruders who seek to do damage to the facilities. "As the representative for a district that contains one nuclear power plant and is close to another, I consider myself fortunate," Pscholka said. " Cook Power Plant has been a tremendous partner in providing thousands of good-paying jobs to southwest Michigan residents, and boosting our local economy. But having a nuclear power plant also leads to a responsibility, the need to protect our nuclear assets from those who seek to do them harm." State Rep. Aric Nesbitt , R- Lawton , chair of the committee, said the bill is common-sense legislation to protect a vital aspect of the state's energy generation grid. "These are necessary reforms to secure these important energy assets that could become prime targets for intruders or saboteurs," said Nesbitt, whose district includes the Palisades nuclear power facility. "We are concerned about the safety of citizens who live near the state's nuclear facilities and any threat to Michigan's energy interests. The security personnel are well trained professionals who understand the severity of a threat and can be counted upon to respond accordingly." The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the operators of nuclear generating facilities to use armed security personnel to defend against attacks. The bill specifically allows the use of force to prevent anyone from breaking into a facility, deter a threat of radiological sabotage or deter a threat of theft or diversion of special nuclear material. The committee continues to consider the bill. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=31645361& |