Fukushima Remembrance

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8 YEARS AFTER FUKUSHIMA:
INDIAN POINT DECOMMISSIONING, WOMEN’S VOICES

PEEKSKILL—On Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m., at the American Legion hall, 936 McKinley Street, Peekskill, Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition (IPSEC) and other local groups are hosting a pot-luck lunch and informative program commemorating the 8th anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that began the Fukushima disaster.  We will hear from Susan Shapiro, Esq about progress on the Article 78 case opposing $7.6 billion in ratepayer subsidies to upstate New York nuclear reactors and from Courtney M. Williams, PhD. on the status of plans for a Citizens’ Oversight Board as Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant ceases operations and enters its decommissioning phase.  We will also enjoy the music of local singer/songwriter Fred Gillen, Jr. Our keynote speaker is Heidi Hutner, professor at SUNY Stony Brook, author, and director of the film Accidents Will Happen: Voices of Women from Nuclear Disasters.

This year’s program is of critical local importance given the impending closure of Indian Point and the need for area communities to protect their interests. The push for a Citizens’ Oversight Board is underway to ensure voices of experts and residents are heard and decisions are not left up to those with vested financial or political interests in the outcome.

“Professor Hutner has visited communities all over the US who have been harmed by mishandled nuclear facilities. We know accidents can happen and we need to learn from the past to make sure our area is able to thrive and grow,” said Courtney M. Williams, a Peekskill resident and cofounder of Safe Energy Rights Group who will speak about the formation of a Citizens’ Oversight Board.

Once again we will be joined by Jun-san Yasuda and Peace Walkers from the Grafton Peace Pagoda, who gather at 9 a.m. at the Cortlandt train station and walk to the Indian Point gate at Bleakley and Broadway for a prayer vigil, then to Peekskill’s Riverfront Green for a water ceremony, before arriving at the American Legion for the pot-luck luncheon and program.

Speakers and participants:

    Rick Ufford-Chase (Stony Point Center)

Chief Perry, Ramapough Lunaape

    Susan Shapiro, Esq.

    Dr. Courtney Williams, SEnRG (Safe Energy Rights Group)

    Dr. Heidi Hutner, professor at SUNY Stony Brook, author, director/producer, Accidents Can Happen: Voices of Women from Nuclear Disasters

    Jun-san Yasuda, Grafton Peace Pagoda

    Fred Gillen, Jr., singer/songwriter

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