Power Out: Decommissioning Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant

In this episode of Equity in Every Drop, Victoria Leung, a staff attorney for Hudson Riverkeeper, and Richard Webster, former legal director and current outside counsel for Hudson Riverkeeper, join to discuss the controversial history and closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in upstate New York. 

The conversation delves into the safety concerns, environmental impacts, and years-long advocacy that led to the plant’s decommissioning. Host Thomas Hynes, who has a personal connection to the area, guides listeners through the intricacies of nuclear power regulation, the significant threats posed by plant operations, and the complicated process of shutting it down. 

The episode also highlights the ongoing challenges of decommissioning, including dealing with radioactive waste and ensuring local communities transition smoothly after the plant's closure. The dialogue underscores the importance of state involvement and transparent, community-driven oversight in handling nuclear facilities.