In 2007, the Executive Office proposed a $13 million assessment on nuclear power plant owners to help defray the costs currently paid by New York taxpayers for increased use of our National Guard and Naval militia personnel to defend New York’s nuclear facilities. The $13 million would have been divided between the three owners operating four nuclear power plants in New York State.

In the Governor’s FY2008-2009 budget, he proposes $11.7 million to shift the burden of protecting New York’s nuclear reactors from taxpayers to owners. The need for increased security at New York’s nuclear power plants is indicative of ongoing terrorist threats to our nation – and the risks nuclear plants pose on the public-at-large.

As long as these plants operate in New York, the owners/operators – not New York taxpayers – should cover the costs of defending these high-risk facilities.

Riverkeeper strongly supports Governor Spitzer’s proposal to shift the nuclear security fees from taxpayer to nuclear power plant owner.