Group opposes Richland plant license renewal

Heart of America Northwest is urging its members to contact their local leaders to oppose a license extension for the nuclear power plant near Richland.

Energy Northwest has applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year license extension for the Columbia Generating Station effective in 2023. The plant will be 40 years old then.

Seattle-based Heart of America is recommending that city councils, mayors and public utility district commissioners be contacted to tell them to oppose relicensing. Energy Northwest is a joint operating agency of 28 member utilities, including Seattle City Light.

"We have to assert public control of our region's electric power and use the next 10 years before the plant's license expires to plan to replace the power with clean, safe renewable power and conservation," said a message from Heart of America.

The Columbia Generating Station provides enough power for about 1 million homes.

This story was originally published July 7, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Group opposes Richland plant license renewal ."