Amid mounting concerns over the release of radiation in Japan, state Rep. John Keenan plans to call in officials from the region's nuclear power plants to hear their emergency response plan in case of catastrophic disaster close to home.
Keenan, the new House chairman of a state legislative subcommittee on utilities and energy, said the public needs to be reassured that the area's plants have plans if disaster strikes.
"You see that people are buying iodine pills and getting mixed messages from various people in the federal government on down," said Keenan. "So just the basics to let people know we are prepared in the event that something happens."
Keenan hopes to invite officials from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth and possibly the Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant in New Hampshire.
Salem sits approximately 30 miles away from the Seabrook facility.
In addition, Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant operates just over the Massachusetts border by the northwest part of the state.
Keenan was quick to note neither his committee nor the state may have the authority to regulate the nuclear industry. Instead, he wants the public to know the plants near them are prepared.
"If we can be helpful, we certainly will be," said Keenan. "I'm not looking to overstep my authority."
Keenan said he was sensitive to the fact that the Plymouth plant operates within Senate President Therese Murray's district and wouldn't interfere with plans she may have on the issue.
All of this comes while Japan continues to try to bring the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station under control after being severely damaged by a March 11 tsunami that was triggered by a massive earthquake.
Keenan hopes to hold a committee hearing sooner rather than later, he said, especially considering state lawmakers plan to take up the all-consuming budget in coming weeks.
At the same time, Keenan, who was only appointed chairman of the energy subcommittee a few weeks ago, said he recognized his committee is still getting up to speed and still in the process of hiring staff.
"My goal," said Keenan, "would be to do it obviously while it's still on everybody's mind."
Staff writer Chris Cassidy can be reached at ccassidy@salemnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisCassidy_SN.
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