Sanders warns of ‘catastrophe’ if NY nuclear plant isn’t closed

by Devin Henry - 04/06/16 9:11 AM ET

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is advocating for the closure of a New York nuclear power plant, warning of a “catastrophe waiting to happen,” UPI reported.

In a statement this week, Sanders said he is “very concerned that the Indian [Point] nuclear power reactor is more than ever before a catastrophe waiting to happen” and it should be shuttered or otherwise risk a disaster that could hurt the New York City metropolitan area.

{mosads}The Indian Point facility in Westchester County provides about one-forth of New York City’s electricity, making it a major source of power in the Empire State.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has vowed to slash the state’s carbon emissions by 40 percent over the next four decades. Since nuclear facilities emit no greenhouse gases, nuclear advocates hope that goal bolsters Indian Point’s standing in lawmakers’ and regulators’ eyes.

But the facility has been a point of controversy for officials in the state, with a recent series of leaks and spills drawing consternation among Democrats. One of the facility’s new reactors is to due be re-licensed this year, setting up a showdown over the future of the plant.

Hillary Clinton, the front-runner in the Democratic presidential race and a former senator from New York, said she supports a “careful, thoughtful” review of the facility, The Journal News reported.

In an interview with local media on Tuesday, Clinton highlighted her previous calls for greater oversight at the facility and more in-depth safety reviews there.

New York’s Democratic primary is on April 19.

Tags Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton Indian Point New York