As much as Governor Peter Shumlin wants to see Vermont Yankee close on March 21, 2012 it is not going to happen.
However, Shumlin may be able to use the federal judge's decision to keep Yankee running to his advantage. Late last year he introduced a plan to move the state towards 90% renewables by 2050. To see it through, he needs money in the Clean Energy Development Fund.
"The need is going up, the need is there, its acknowledged and our funding sources are absolutely drying up," said Rep. Tony Klein. Klein says Entergy has contributed more than $30 million to the fund since 2005. The money is spent on solar equipment, wind projects and supports countless grants throughout the state. The problem is that Entergy's payments into the fund will soon come to an end. Klein says the fund will be completely empty by the end of spring.
Shumlin proposed a solution to that concern on Wednesday. "This legislature should examine the tax structure for Vermont Yankee," he said. Shumlin says Yankee's taxes have not been adjusted for inflation. He says, if that happens, the extra money could go to support to the fund.
Klein, who also chairs the House Energy Committee says if that's going to happen, a proposal needs to come together quickly so that any changes could make it into the energy bill. The bill is expected to hit the floor in two weeks.
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