The state of Vermont is beginning to gain a reputation for passing unconstitutional laws. In fact, within the past few years, multiple laws that the Vermont legislature has passed have been shot down by the Supreme Court.
This is once again happening with its laws concerning Vermont Yankee. To this date, Vermont has spent over $400,000 on legal bills - not a huge amount, although, with additional consulting from outside law firms, that could easily triple by the time this court case is over.
This begs the question: Is it in Vermont's best interest to appeal this decision?
The short answer is no. Vermont stands little chance of overturning this decision.
Vermont cannot afford to waste money on issues out of its power. Nuclear power is clearly a federal issue, and Governor Shumlin cannot change that. The state of Vermont needs every dollar it can get. We need it to help those less fortunate. We need it to rebuild after Irene. We need it to improve our community.
By trying to close Vermont Yankee, we are not improving Vermont; we are taking away money our community needs.