Nuclear Hearing To Address State's Emergency Preparation

As officials in Japan continue to deal with the unfolding crisis at the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, how prepared is Massachusetts for a nuclear disaster? State lawmakers try to get answers at a hearing on Beacon Hill Wednesday.

Four joint legislative committees are coming together to hear from state public safety and environment officials, energy leaders and anti-nuclear groups about what the impact of a similar nuclear disaster could be. State Sen. Marc Pacheco, chairman of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agricultural Committee, organized the hearing.

"There's a lot of people that are frightened and have heard and read about radiation in the rainwater, Pacheco said, "now we know that's dissipated, but we want to have a better understanding about these issues we are are dealing with right now."

Executives from the energy companies that own the three regional nuclear plants are scheduled to tell lawmakers the plants present no risks.

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