Cuomo administration fights Indian Point nuclear power plant license renewal

"Indian Point's proximity to a major population center in New York City and surrounding areas — with more than 20 million people within 50 miles of the plant — makes it absolutely impossible to have an effective safety and evacuation plan," Director of State Operations Jim Malatras wrote to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. — Julie Jacobson/AP
“Indian Point’s proximity to a major population center in New York City and surrounding areas — with more than 20 million people within 50 miles of the plant — makes it absolutely impossible to have an effective safety and evacuation plan,” Director of State Operations Jim Malatras wrote to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

PUBLISHED: November 17, 2015 at 9:31 a.m. | UPDATED: April 9, 2018 at 6:17 a.m.

ALBANY — The Cuomo administration urged federal officials on Monday not to grant a new license to the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Westchester County.

In a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Director of State Operations Jim Malatras cited the plant’s age and the threat of terrorism as reasons not to renew its license.

“Indian Point’s proximity to a major population center in New York City and surrounding areas — with more than 20 million people within 50 miles of the plant — makes it absolutely impossible to have an effective safety and evacuation plan,” Malatras said.

The NRC is set to hold hearings this week on plant owner Entergy’s request for a new license.