More than 130 protesters were arrested today for unlawful trespassing at the corporate headquarters of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
In a coordinated action in New Orleans, seven activists were arrested at the headquarters of Vermont Yankee's parent company, Entergy Nuclear, police said. The Journal News reported that five others also were arrested at Entergy offices in White Plains, N.Y.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin was sympathetic to the protesters.
"I am very supportive of the peaceful protesters gathered today in Brattleboro to express their - and my - frustration that this aging plant remains open after its agreed-upon license has expired," he said.
A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 gathered in a downtown Brattleboro park before they marched the 3.5 miles to the headquarters.
Company spokesman Larry Smith said work continued as normal at the plant 10 miles south in Vernon. "We greatly appreciate the backing of our supporters and respect the rights of opponents to peacefully protest," he said in a statement. "Inside the gates, our employees will not be distracted. As it is every day, their focus on safety will be laser sharp."
The arrests were made calmly and without any confrontation. After being processed, the protesters were later released.
It was the first day of the plant's operation after the expiration of its 40-year license. Back in January, the NRC granted the plant a 20-year extension. Earlier this week, Entergy also won a ruling preventing possible state shutdown over a spent fuel issue.
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