North Texans want more say as nuclear plant seeks to continue operating through 2053
By Haley Samsel
December 11, 2023
"Crossing the dark parking lot outside the Somervell County Expo Center, Susybelle Gosslee barely could see the ground in front of her. The experience left her feeling 'vulnerable' — and concerned about why the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [#NRC] didn’t turn on outdoor lights for its Dec. 7 public meeting about the #ComanchePeak#nuclear power plant in #GlenRoseTexas.
"That wasn’t her only critique. Earlier in the day, Gosslee and other #environmental advocates struggled to log on to a virtual meeting hosted by the commission. Officials apologized for the challenges and vowed to host another online session the week of Dec. 18.
"'That is not transparency, and it’s not good government,' Gosslee, the Dallas-based chair of #HazardousWaste issues for the League of Women Voters of Texas, said. 'I’m concerned because of the lack of access to meetings, and you can see that it wasn’t well-publicized because there is nobody here. That’s an indicator that the job did not get done.'
"Gosslee’s criticism comes as #Vistra, the owner of the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant in Glen Rose, seeks to keep its reactors online through at least 2053. The plant began operation in 1990.
"The company’s current licenses for two nuclear units, which have the capacity to power 1.2 million homes under normal electricity conditions, expire in 2030 and 2033. Vistra announced its license renewal application in October 2022, citing a desire to bring more 'carbon-free electricity' to the electric grid.
"'Renewing the licenses of this plant is critical for grid reliability and our environment and is a benefit to the economy, the local community and our company,' Jim Burke, president and CEO of Vistra, said at the time.
As part of the license renewal process, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has already heard from dozens of residents living in the plant’s 50-mile radius, including parts of Tarrant, Hood and Somervell counties.
"Many are supportive of Comanche Peak’s continued operation, citing its economic contributions as Somervell County’s largest taxpayer and an employer of more than 600 full-time staff. At a January public meeting, Glen Rose ISD Superintendent Trig Overbo and Somervell County Judge Danny Chambers were among the plant’s most vocal supporters. Others, including Gosslee, expressed concerns over how the aging plant would handle higher risk of #drought, #wildfires and #earthquake activity.
"Since then, Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff have evaluated the environmental impact of running the plant for 20 years after the current licenses expire in 2030 and 2033. The agency issued its draft environmental impact statement in early November, outlining considerations like air quality, land use, water resources, human health and waste management.
"Commission staff determined that Comanche Peak’s continued operation would have only small impacts on the surrounding environment, said Tam Tran, who led the environmental review. The agency defines small impacts as being either undetectable or so minor that they will neither destabilize nor noticeably alter natural resources. Apparently, these people either believe in [#hormesis or don't believe in #bioaccumulation!]
"The review also found that the plant’s operations may affect, but are not likely to negatively impact, protected species such as the #GoldenCheekedWarbler, #TricoloredBat and #MonarchButterfly. Fish habitats are not expected to be affected, Tran said."
Good Sunday morning, everyone. This year we have only seen one monarch butterfly, but in the past, we saw many. Here is a mating pair on some old Queen Anne's lace. They obviously weren't disturbed by me and my camera.
Have a good day, friends.
Monarch butterfly #20 emerged today - photo here shows the process from original "mama" butterfly laying eggs on milkweed, thru Monarch caterpillar J-hanging & forming a chrysalis (cocoon), emerging from the chrysalis as a butterfly, & stretching the wings. #monarchbutterfly#Butterflies#insects
Monarch butterfly Fourteen emerged from chrysalis during today's hurricane (so henceforth shall be known as Idalia) - it's stuck sheltering in my house though as the actual Hurricane Idalia is still storming outside with high winds and rain. May have to let it out tomorrow. #butterfly#butterflies#MonarchButterfly
This is the first (and so far only) monarch butterfly we have spotted this year. We used to have so many here I managed to photograph a lot nearby. (Link: https://www.elliekennard.ca/monarchs/ ) But let us celebrate this one today! It was resting in the evergreen tree on our property.
Have a lovely Wednesday, FediFriends.
With the heat wave we're having here my cosmos are really coming into their own. Absolutely loving all the vibrant colors coming up and all of the pollinators they attract.
"Just living isn't enough' said the butterfly, ' one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower' - Hans Christian Andersen.
The lovely and endangered Monarch Butterfly knows that life is fleeting. Let's enjoy while we can! We all need sunshine, freedom and a little flower, especially if that flower is a cheerful wild Aster!