Massachusetts Reconsiders Nuclear Power Amid Rising Energy Costs

Soaring energy costs and a population as angry as a coop full of wet hens have forced Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to rethink her energy policies to include the once-taboo idea of nuclear power.

Healey is facing re-election this fall, and the high cost of energy, much of which is due to Healey-approved charges on utility bills, has led ratepayers to demand relief.

Remember, she "stopped two gas pipelines from coming into this state," and then denied saying that, before admitting she had. Sort of.

New England Governors Unite on Nuclear Energy

Healey's newfound "all of the above" approach to energy finds her touting nuclear power generation as a means of lowering consumer energy bills.

"The governors of all six New England states have issued a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies while continuing to support the safe, affordable, and reliable operation of the region's existing nuclear facilities," reported World Nuclear News.

Current Nuclear Power in New England

There are currently two operational nuclear plants in New England: Connecticut's Millstone Power Station and New Hampshire's Seabrook Station. Combined, the plants provide approximately 25 percent of the region's electricity.

Vermont's WCAX-TV 3 reported, "The agreement is, in part, meant to help strengthen the region's energy reliability, affordability, and long-term supply, keeping nuclear as an option."

The Concord Monitor reported New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed an executive order creating a "nuclear energy roadmap" for the state and ordering officials to review "regulatory, financial, and market factors" affecting nuclear deployment.

Maine.gov reported a joint statement signed by the governors reads, in part, "Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region."

Massachusetts’ Longstanding Nuclear Restrictions

While Massachusetts does not have a complete ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants, a moratorium was enacted in 1982 in response to the Three Mile Island nuclear power accident in Pennsylvania on March 28, 1979.

The moratorium states in part that "no new nuclear power plant shall be constructed or operated within the Commonwealth" unless certain conditions are met, including approval from the state legislature and a majority vote of the electorate.

What Happened to Pilgrim Nuclear Station?

Massachusetts' last nuclear plant, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, closed in 2019.