Markey blasts safety of nuke plants


High Voltage Maintenance Training Online

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
Despite assurances that the nation's nuclear power plants are safe from terrorist attacks, Bay State congressmen continued their call on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make massive security improvements.

Reacting to a Time magazine report highlighting deficiencies in security at nuclear power plants - including a slap at the Pilgrim plant in Plymouth - U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Malden), the senior Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, urged the NRC to make drastic improvements.

"The reality is that the NRC is living in a dream world when it comes to nuclear reactor security," said Markey. "While the Department of Energy has taken a long hard look at the terrorist risk to its nuclear facilities and then followed up with appropriate security upgrades, the NRC has only taken baby steps."

The Time report slammed the NRC and nuclear power industry for not fully preparing for full-scale terrorist attacks and for conducting test exercises far below what an actual attack might bring.

The report quoted Kathy Davidson, a former security mangager for the Wackenhut Corp., saying security at the Pilgrim plant is "pathetic."

Wackenhut, which provides security at the Plymouth plant and others around the country, said Davidson is a disgruntled former employee who was fired for poor job performance.

David Tarantino, a spokesman for the Plymouth plant, said the industry has spent $1 billion upgrading security since 9/11 and no one has breached the protected areas of the Pilgrim plant since it went on line in 1972.

Related News

More people are climbing dangerous hydro dams and towers in search of 'social media glory,' utility says

BC Hydro Trespassing Surge highlights risky social media stunts at dams and power stations, with…
View more

Blizzard and Extreme Cold Hit Calgary and Alberta

Calgary Winter Storm and Extreme Cold delivers heavy snowfall, ECCC warnings, blowing snow, icy roads,…
View more

Electricity restored to 75 percent of customers in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Power Restoration advances as PREPA, FEMA, and the Army Corps rebuild the grid…
View more

Nova Scotia Eyes Offshore Wind for U.S. Power Markets

Nova Scotia is advancing offshore wind plans to meet rising electricity demand at home while…
View more

Iran turning thermal power plants to combined cycle to save energy

Iran Combined-Cycle Power Plants drive energy efficiency, cut greenhouse gases, and expand megawatt capacity by…
View more

Why the Texas Power Grid Is Facing Another Crisis

Texas Power Grid Reliability faces record peak demand as ERCOT balances renewable energy, wind and…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified