Officials, advocates question Holtec’s Indian Point restructuring plan

Holtec International owns Indian Point and is leading the decommissioning of the former nuclear power plant with the use of decommissioning trust funds. They tell News 12 the money they received when ownership was transferred from Entergy will pay for it. The company is seeking approval from the New York State Public Service Commission for a corporate restructuring that would transfer certain decommissioning assets and liabilities to a Holtec affiliate called Deemco, while Holtec would continue providing decommissioning services. While Holtec says the reorganization will not impact Westchester residents, taxpayers, ratepayers, or its decommissioning obligations, Others say more concrete safeguards are needed to ensure taxpayers don't get stuck with the bill. It would limit their liability when it comes to issues of decommissioning and the funds running out. They have not shown that that entity has any assets of its own that could make up the shortfall. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins agrees, urging the State Public Service Commission to reject the proposal unless stronger protections are in place for taxpayers and the decommissioning process. Buchanan Mayor Teresa Knickerbocker says the 240-acre site is key to the village's future and wants to see the decommissioning completed safely, responsibly, and with adequate funding. I don't see the village of Buchanan having to put any money up, my understanding is the trust funds are sufficient to finish the decommissioning and we just want it to be safe. Holtec maintains the reorganization adds independent oversight to increase oversight on how the funds are used and does not change who is responsible for completing the cleanup. The next Indian Point decommissioning oversight board meeting is not until December 10th. In Buchanan, Westchester County, Lauren DelVal, News 12.