Residents of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, expressed concerns about the planned restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor during a public meeting held on Thursday (July 31). The meeting, organized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Constellation Energy, aimed to address community worries about safety and environmental impacts.
The Three Mile Island facility, now called the Crane Clean Energy Center, is set to reopen by 2027, a year earlier than initially planned. The restart is driven by increased energy demands, largely due to data centers powered by artificial intelligence. Constellation Energy plans to invest over $1.6 billion in the project, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs and bring significant economic benefits to the region.
During the meeting, some residents voiced concerns about the potential for another incident similar to the partial meltdown that occurred in 1979. Maria Frisby, a Middletown resident, recalled the metallic taste she experienced during the 1979 crisis, questioning how such events would be prevented in the future. Others, like Patricia Longenecker, raised environmental concerns, particularly about the plant's reliance on the Susquehanna River for water.
Despite these concerns, many attendees supported the restart, citing the economic benefits and job creation. Jim Enders, president of the Central Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed confidence in the safe reopening of the facility. Ellen Willenbecher, vice president of the Middletown Borough council, highlighted the positive impact on local businesses.
Constellation Energy spokesperson Mark Rodgers emphasized the safety and performance of the reactor before its 2019 shutdown due to market conditions. He noted that the partnership with Microsoft would help bring clean, emissions-free power back to the grid.
The NRC plans to hold another virtual public meeting on August 6 to continue discussions with the community. For more information, residents can visit the NRC's public meeting schedule.