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Rudy Giuliani Ads Promote Indian Point Safety

BUCHANAN, N.Y. – Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will endorse the safety of Entergy’s Indian Point Nuclear Power Plants in Buchanan. The ads will run on cable television and in newspapers beginning next week.

“He’s someone who has worked with Entergy previously,” said Jerry Nappi, Indian Point spokesperson. “And people in New York have a high regard for the mayor and it will help us share with the public the safe manner in which we operate these plants.”

The plant is seeking a 20-year extension on its current, 40-year, operating license.  The plant has become a polarizing issue among local residents and all levels of state and local government. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is seeking to shut the plant down, while nearby village governments, such as the Village of Croton, have passed resolutions asking the state to seek ways to replace power generated by the aging plant.

Safety concerns in the area immediately surrounding the plant are complicated by economic matters. The plant contributes $17.8 million to the Hendrick Hudson School District budget, $4.4 million in taxes to the Town of Cortlandt, $2.1 million to the Village of Buchanan and about $50 million to New York State.

“There is no way to feasibly and economically replace all that electricity without energy rates going through the roof,” said Bruce DiMarzo, a member of The Daily Cortlandt’s Facebook community. “We're taxed to death and the closure of Indian Point will result in a financial disaster for New York. I'm all for greener energy, but at the present time we cannot forgo using Indian Point.”

Rachel Leon of The Daily Croton's Facebook community said she the former mayor's endorsement won't change her opinion about the plant.

"Entergy has one of the worst safety records in the country, and Giuliani is no expert on this, so his vouching for plant doesn't give me any comfort," she said. "We should support safe jobs for our community and figure out now what those new jobs can be for these workers who deserve a future."

Nappi said license renewal is a fairly lengthy process and could take several years.

“This is just part of the process, whether we’re in license renewal or beyond license renewal we continue to share information with the public,” he said. "But clearly, license renewal is an important objective for the company.”

Nappi was unable to confirm where the ads would appear as of Thursday evening.

 

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