Three members of Massachusetts congressional delegation are asking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to use a more typical public meeting style when discussing the future of the Pilgrim and Seabrook nuclear power plants, according to an Associated Press story.
U.S. Reps. William Keating, Edward Markey, and John Tierney say they oppose plans by the NRC to only allow small group or one-on-one discussions with citizens and other concerned groups – with answers only shared with those participating in the smaller group discussions.
The three Democrats say the NRC should go back to a more traditional public meeting style where citizens can ask questions and receive answers at an open microphone so all those attending the hearing can hear.
The group said the smaller group structure undermines public trust in the commission’s ability to assure the safety of the reactors.
Are one-on-one and small group discussions as good or better than large public hearings where officials take questions and answer them over a microphone?