With Japan reeling from accidents at nuclear power facilities after the recent tsunamis, politicians in Tallahassee are responding by reviewing state plans to cope with nuclear disaster and pushing alternative energy.
Gov. Rick Scott authorized the state Division of Emergency Management to review what Floridas plans are, if any, should the five nuclear facilities at three locations in the Sunshine State face a similar situation.
Scott had Bryan Koon, director of the division that oversees coordination with agencies at the federal, state and local levels, review Floridas plans in case of a nuclear accident.
This weekend Director Koon and his staff made a comprehensive review of the states action plans to ensure Florida is prepared to face a disaster of this magnitude, said Scott on Monday. The information Ive received shows that across state agencies, in conjunction with federal partners and utility operators, we are prepared for an effective and rapid emergency response.
At Governor Scotts direction, we reviewed Floridas plans and preparedness at our nuclear power facilities, said Koon. Annually, each Florida nuclear facility conducts exercises to test many different scenarios to ensure that there are plans in place and we are prepared for any event. We are confident in our ability to respond and our review affirmed our readiness.
Like the rest of the world, the people of Florida are watching the unfolding tragedy in the wake of earthquakes and tsunamis across the Pacific Rim, added Scott. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, and Florida stands ready to assist in any way possible.
With five reactors in three locations in Florida and two more reactors located southeast of Dothan, Ala., near the state line, Scotts team pointed Floridians to the states preparedness plans if something occurred.
Scott was not the only politician in Tallahassee pondering the role of nuclear energy in Florida.
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, who has taken aim at nuclear power in the state since first being elected to the House in 2008, filed a bill Monday looking to repeal a law allowing companies that invest in nuclear technologies to recover costs. Rehwinkel Vasilinda looked to promote alternative energies in other legislation she filed, including a bill allowing local governments to encourage homeowners who invest in renewable energy.
I believe we can do more in Florida to produce truly clean, safe and renewable energy that can decrease our dependency on foreign oil and help families afford a good quality of life, said Rehwinkel Vasilinda on Monday.Nuclear energy has a high price and the cost recovery to families is an unjust price to pay. The transportation of materials to produce nuclear energy across state lines and permanent disposal are fraught with potential legal liability and risks to our national security and health. Even with the ability to recycle some of the waste, dangerous waste will remain for thousands of years. It is unfair and unjust to pawn yet another problem off on others and the next generation.
Rehwinkel Vasilinda has encouraged other proposals to promote alternative energy, including raising gas taxes by 5 cents a gallon in the 2010 session.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
