Environment

The Burlington Integrated Arts Academy compost Mash-Up.

Nuclear power plant Vermont Yankee is vying for a 20-year extension of its license, which expires in 2012. Voices from around the state are speaking out about the impact of this decision, arguing  the economic, safety and environmental implications of the plant's continued operation. 
Two experts on nuclear energy debate the issue as part of UVM's Janus Forum.
Speaking in support of Vermont Yankee is Meredith Angwin, MS Physical Chemistry, Pro-Nuclear Activist and Writer, owner of Carnot Communications which helps firms to communicate technical matters.  She holds a master's degree in physical chemistry and has formerly worked for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as a project manager in geothermal energy.  She started working on high temperature water chemistry codes and began associating with people from EPRI's steam generator project office, which was her introduction to nuclear power.
Her opponent in the debate  is Arnold Gundersen, ME, Nuclear Engineering, Chief Engineer of Fairewinds Associates, the firm responsible for analyzing the shortfall in Vermont Yankee's decommissioning fund, which resulted in a review of such funds at nuclear sites around the country. Gundersen, who is a former industry executive and licensed reactor operator, provides testimony on nuclear operations, reliability, safety, and radiation issues to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Congressional and State Legislatures, and government agencies and officials throughout the U.S. and internationally.  The forum will be moderated by Emerson Lynn, editor and publisher of the St. Albans Messenger..  

General Manager Chris Cole, Chittenden County Transportation Authority, Director Chapin Spencer, Local Motion, and Annie Bourdon of CarShare Vermont and other transportation leaders discuss transportation issues, ideas and initiatives.

The House Appropriations Committee takes testimony regarding the Natural Resources portion of Gov. Peter Shumlin's proposed FY12 Budget. Testifying are: Chris Recchia, Deputy Secretary of the Agendy of Natural Resources and Patrick Berry, Commissioner of the Fish & Wildlife Dept. February 16, 2011.