Sen. Formica Submits Testimony Regarding Efforts to Keep Millstone Operating
August 18, 2017State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee, today submitted testimony (attached) to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) regarding Gov. Malloy’s executive order initiating a study of Millstone’s role in Connecticut. A public hearing on the governor’s executive order took place today in Hartford.
“Millstone is a tremendous asset to Connecticut, providing over half the power that people use in our state every day. It also provides southeastern Connecticut with jobs and is an engine of economic growth for the entire state. Ensuring Millstone stays open is vital to Connecticut’s economy and residents,” said Sen. Formica.
Sen. Formica urged the state to not only study, but commit to action to keep Millstone operating.
His testimony regarding the governor’s executive order in part states: “This order, which directs a required assessment be conducted on the economic viability of the Millstone nuclear generating facilities, shows the state’s interest in Millstone, but unfortunately without a commitment for action is potentially too little too late…We need Millstone’s stable, carbon free baseload power for at least 5 more years so that we can properly plan and build a bridge to our renewable energy future.”
He also urged DEEP and PURA to complete their report in a timely manner so necessary action can be taken, given that Dominion has already begun a strategic assessment to determine whether they will continue operating the Millstone facility.
“I encourage DEEP/PURA to complete this report and its recommendations as soon as possible as this docket will be running in concert with Dominion’s strategic assessment of Millstone. There would be nothing more regrettable than DEEP/PURA recommending appropriate action to keep Millstone open after they had already started turning off the lights.”
“I believe it is crystal clear to us all that Millstone closing would devastate stable and affordable energy – making this situation one of the most important issues facing our state. It is something all sides must come together to understand and take action to prevent,” said Formica.
The public can share written comments by emailing [email protected]. Comments may be filed by 1:00 p.m. EPT on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. All correspondence and written comments submitted to DEEP and PURA relating to the scope of the study, including emails, will be posted on the DEEP and PURA websites. To read the request for comment visit: