Observers Examine Nuclear Power's Future In New England

27:52

March 16, 2011

The Pilgrim Nuclear Power plant in Plymouth is on the Massachusetts coastline. (Courtesy)

As a snowstorm blanketed Japan's devastated Northeast and Emperor Akihito delivered his first-ever video address, white smoke and a new blaze at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant added to growing radiation fears.

That concern has not been limited to Japan. Around the world, people have been questioning the safety — and future — of nuclear power plants in light of the current crisis in Japan.

Here in New England, two of our five regional nuclear power plants — Vermont Yankee in Vernon, Vt., and Pilgrim Nuclear in Plymouth -- share the same design as the Fukushima plant prompting many residents to question the plants' operation.

Guests:

Rep. Ed Markey, top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee; senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee
Michael Golay, professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, MIT; past member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Research Review Committee
Beth Daley, environmental reporter, Boston Globe

More:

This segment aired on March 16, 2011.