Recent testimony to the Windham Regional Commission about Entergy's request to extend its license to operate Vermont Yankee another 20 years brought out a great deal of support and affirmation for the nuclear power company as an outstanding employer, a good neighbor, and a good corporate citizen.
With dozens of citizens testifying in favor of extending Vermont Yankee's license far outnumbering those opposing nuclear power, the hearing demonstrated the company's loyal workforce and the relationships it has cultivated in the community.
More than a few representatives of county nonprofit organizations testified for the power plant's relicensing, arguing that the Vermont Yankee license should be extended 20 years because Entergy gives so deeply and broadly to charities in an region where needs are great and growing, especially in an uncertain economy.
The list was incredible. An ambulance for Rescue, Inc. Funds for the United Way. Food for the hungry. Money for the museum.
Everyone who lives and works here, no matter how they feel about nuclear energy, should appreciate Entergy's unstinting charitable donations and the company's good work in the community.
But that said, the level of corporate donations to good causes should not bear one iota of weight on the Vermont Public Service Board's decision later this year.
The plant is old, and the technology is gravely dangerous. The decision to keep the plant operating should be based on science and safety - period - and not the degree to which area nonprofits have come to rely on Entergy for the region's needs.
A number of intelligent people testified to the safety of the plant. A number of intelligent people argued otherwise. There will be plenty of spirited debate about the science in the months to come, and there's no need to further complicate the debate by dragging the money into it as well.