For Immediate Release:
May 31, 2001

For Information, Contact:
Jeff Jones, Kyle Rabin:
518-462-5526

Nuclear Whistleblower Bill Amended

Environmentalists Upgrade Rating

(Albany, N.Y.) - Noting that legislation to protect nuclear plant whistleblowers has been amended, EPL/Environmental Advocates announced today that it has upgraded its support for the bill to its highest 3 Tree rating. The legislation, A.528-a/S.521-a, was introduced by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and Senator Thomas Morahan.

"New York must take steps to protect safety conscious employees who work in nuclear power plants around the state," said Nuclear Energy Policy Project Director Kyle Rabin. "Unfortunately, New York has one of the weakest whistleblower protection laws in the nation. With deregulation of the electric power industry, control of the six operating commercial reactors in New York is passing to out-of-state, global energy companies. Conscientious plant workers have a crucial role to play in protecting the public from the dangers of nuclear power. They must be supported and protected."

The legislation was recently amended to clarify that all employees, including independent contractors, are protected by the measure, and to ensure that when passed, a stronger New York law will not be preempted by weaker federal standards. For that reason, EPL/EA's support has been upgraded.

Bills rated by EPL/EA are used to determine the environmental voting record of members of the State Legislature and will be reported after the session in the annual Voters' Guide; an insider's guide to the environmental record of New York State's Legislature & Governor.

For more information, contact Kyle Rabin at 518-462-5526 ext. 240.

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