Federal Court Ruling Could Allow Radioactive Waste from Indian Point to Enter Hudson River

By Y.M. Lowy

A recent federal court ruling could allow Holtec International to release radioactive waste into the Hudson River as part of the decommissioning process for the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

Rockland County’s top elected official is calling on federal regulators to seek alternatives that protect the health and safety of communities along the river.

“I am deeply disappointed by the federal court’s decision that federal law preempts New York law, allowing Holtec International to move forward with plans that could result in radioactive wastewater being discharged into the Hudson River,” County Executive Ed Day said in a statement. “This ruling disregards the intent of New York’s law, which directed Holtec to use the available decommissioning funds to pursue a safer, though more expensive, method of disposal to protect both people’s lives and our environment.”

The decision could endanger the health of communities and the safety of the Hudson River.

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