For Immediate Release:

February 2, 2000

Contact:

Ed Smeloff – Pace Energy Project: 914-422-4221

Kyle Rabin – Environmental Advocates: 518-462-5526 ext. 238

Representatives from over 40 environmental, energy, and public health groups at the local, state, and national level are calling on Governor George Pataki to take steps immediately to stop the proposed sale of the Nine Mile 1 and 2 nuclear reactors located in Oswego, NY to AmerGen Energy Company LLC (AmerGen), a joint venture between PECO and British Energy.

Ed Smeloff, director of the Pace Law School Energy Project, criticized the proposed sale of the two nuclear reactors by the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NiMo) and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) to AmerGen as not being consistent with the public interest. He noted that early last year the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) began a proceeding to scrutinize how nuclear power should be integrated into competitive electricity markets. "NiMo, NYSEG and AmerGen have attempted to short circuit the PSC’s public process in a way that would harm ratepayers and could possibly jeopardize public health and safety," Smeloff said. "The Governor needs to assure that the PSC focuses on the larger public interest and rejects AmerGen’s power grab", he added.

The Coalition released a letter they recently sent to Governor Pataki. The letter calls on the Governor to assure that the PSC completes a full public review of issues associated with the operation of nuclear power plants in competitive markets prior to any consideration of their sale.

The groups also expressed their concern that cost cutting under competitive market conditions could jeopardize the safe operation of New York’s nuclear power plants. Kyle Rabin, air and energy program associate for Environmental Advocates said, "We are deeply troubled by AmerGen’s plans for acquiring multiple U.S. nuclear power plants while cutting back on engineering and support services." Rabin noted that British Energy (BE), AmerGen’s parent company has been sharply criticized by the United Kingdom’s nuclear power regulator for job reductions at nuclear facilities they own in England and Scotland.

"These issues of nuclear power have long-term consequences for the economic well-being of several New York communities, the public health of current and future generations of New Yorkers and the quality of sensitive environmental resources," said Ed Smeloff. "We are convinced that these issues require immediate policy guidance by the Governor."

-30-