Letter to Nils J. Diaz, Chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission

June 18, 2004

The Honorable Nils J. Diaz
Chairman
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Dear Chairman Diaz:

We write regarding the fire this morning in the area of the main transformer at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. your staff notified us this morning of this incident, and we request that they continue to provide us with regular updates regarding this situation. We expect the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission or the NRC) to ensure Vermonters' safety in its response to this event and not allow the plant to operate until necessary repairs are made and the NRC certifies that the plant can safely resume operations. We believe a fire at the exterior of the plant lasting approximately an hour is a significant event warranting the Commission's full attention and response. We request that the NRC initiate a formal incident investigation immediately. We further request that the NRC oversee the licensee's investigation into this matter. In addition, the NRC should determine that the conditions leading to this fire are not present in other areas of the plant. We also ask that the State of Vermont be a full partner in NRC's investigation and that the results be released to the public.

Given the concern this incident has raised among our constituents, we appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely

James M. Jeffords
U.S. Senate

Patrick J. Leahy
U.S. Senate

Bernard Sanders
Member of Congress