Wind power better energy source than Oyster Creek

According to Freeholder John P. Kelly, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the only agency with the authority to extend or end the life of the Oyster Creek Generating Station in Lacey Township.

It may have the authority, but the NRC has never shut down a nuclear power plant. Historically, all of the nuclear plants that have been decommissioned were the result of community and/or economic pressures.

We have the opportunity to play a role in promoting a cleaner and safer town by supporting renewable energy. They are the undisputed energy sources that are rapidly competing with other energy sources. Tom Gray of the American Energy Wind Association stated, "There [is] plenty of wind out there and plenty of energy to be tapped. It's just like an oil field that doesn't run out" (www.seco.cpa.- state.tx.us/rewin).

The NRC, in its 2006 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS p. 2-32- 40), stated, "For 20 consecutive years the nuclear plant routinely discharged radioactive liquids into the Oyster Creek and Barnegat Bay and the nuclear plant is the largest polluter of the Barnegat Bay water system."

The Oyster Creek plant withdraws about 1.3 billion gallons of water daily. Wind and solar projects use no water in the generation of electricity.

Wind power has remained at or below the average price of conventional electricity such as coal, nuclear and natural gas.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said that in the United States, there is enough harnessable wind energy in just three of the 50 states - North Dakota, Kansas and Texas - to satisfy the country's electricity needs.

Progress has beenmade in storing renewable energy so it can be available when there is peak demand (www.wapa.gov/esgreennews/).

Ocean County and New Jersey can be made safer by decommissioning and shutting down the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant. A $430 million fund has been set aside to pay for the decommissioning of this plant.

Why should we use an energy source that is harmful, unsafe and a terrorist target? The less than 1 percent of energy we get from Oyster Creek nuclear power plant is notworth the risk. Shut down this plant now!

Edith Gbur

President Jersey Shore Nuclear Watch

Toms River