Representative Levin Launches Task Force of Local Stakeholders to Address Safety Challenges at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) launched a task force made up of local stakeholders and experts to address the safety challenges at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The task force will meet on a regular basis with the goal of driving solutions to move and safely store sensitive waste located at SONGS. It will be led by Rear Admiral Leendert “Len” Hering Sr., USN (Ret)., and former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko.
“It is imperative that people who live around the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station have a voice in the future of the facility. A worst-case scenario disaster at San Onofre would be devastating for millions of people. We cannot allow the status quo to continue indefinitely, which is why we must find new solutions to deal with the grave safety challenges we face. Addressing this issue is a top priority, and I am proud to bring together a wide range of local stakeholders, experts, and activists to help drive solutions,” said Representative Mike Levin.
“Throughout my Naval career, I have learned that nothing replaces due diligence when risk management and safety are concerned. Over the course of the last 18 years and more importantly since leaving the service I have dedicated that experience toward securing our nation’s energy independence and protecting our natural resources. I look forward to applying my expertise in those areas and the skills I gained over 30 years in the U.S. Navy to help lead Congressman Levin’s task force on San Onofre. Failure to act is not an option, and I am determined to drive solutions as a co-chair of the task force,” said Rear Admiral Leendert “Len” Hering Sr., USN (Ret).
“As a former Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, I have a unique appreciation for the complexity of the challenges at San Onofre. I know there are no easy solutions, but I am confident that Congressman Levin’s task force will play a key role in moving the ball forward, and I am honored to serve as a co-chair,” said Former Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Gregory Jaczko.
Representative Levin has been a longtime advocate of long-term solutions to address the hazardous waste as well as short-term solutions regarding canister safety at San Onofre. Last week, Levin led a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission raising concerns over its investigation into apparent violations at SONGS. The letter requested that the pre-decisional enforcement conference venue be relocated to the vicinity of SONGS; and that the NRC adopt appropriate enforcement actions that ensure involved parties change the processes that led to the apparent violations, as well as any processes that could lead to future safety violations.
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