Sen. Formica Statement Re: Gov. Malloy’s Executive Order on Millstone Nuclear Generating Facilities

Today Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed an executive order directing the state to conduct a resource assessment to evaluate the economic viability of Millstone nuclear generating facilities. Millstone is Connecticut’s largest carbon-free energy source that provides over half of Connecticut’s daily power and 30 percent of the power for all of New England.

State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee, has been a strong advocate for efforts to preserve Millstone Power Station’s operations in Connecticut. Sen. Formica led the state Senate’s passage of legislation that, had it passed the House of Representatives, would have required the state implement changes to support Millstone if determined to be in the best interest of ratepayers. Sen. Formica released the following statement today regarding the governor’s executive order.

“Millstone is a vital energy source ratepayers across our state rely on every day. I believe that preserving the state’s baseload power supply for the next five years while we continue to build a bridge to a renewable energy future is one of the most important things we can do for our great state as well as the southeastern Connecticut region. Millstone plays a huge role not only in our local community for the thousands of jobs it creates, but to all of Connecticut for the power it provides throughout our state every day. This is an economic issue as well as an energy issue and I appreciate the Governor’s efforts to look more closely at Millstone’s role in Connecticut.

“Studying the situation Millstone is facing is just one step forward, but we also need action. It’s apparent that there is a problem in the market. Given the many nuclear facility closings around the country, it’s clear we need to act now before we become the next state where such a closure occurs – which would cause not only the loss of a stable power source and lead to higher energy rates, but would also eliminate many jobs we cannot afford to lose. Those who have invested in campaigns that try to discredit Millstone’s concerns are often those who would profit from the plant closure. We have to look at this situation objectively, and we have to act to preserve Millstone’s presence over the next few years and do what is in the best interest of all ratepayers to preserve energy stability while we work towards a renewable energy future. Inaction could prove devastating.”