IBEW Local 97 (Syracuse NY) says new bill will protect public

June 19, 2004

Wright Bill Provides Nuke Security Personnel With New Authority To Protect
Plants
Submitted by State Senator Jim Wright (R-Watertown)

Security personnel at New York's nuclear facilities will have increased
capabilities according to a proposal that has been approved by the State Senate,
announced Senator Jim Wright (R, C, I - Watertown) who sponsors the legislation.
The bill would authorize security personnel of nuclear electric generating
facilities to use physical or deadly physical force in order to defend the
facility.

"Security personnel at nuclear facilities across the state and locally in Oswego
County must have the necessary authority to protect the plants and the many
families who live in the surrounding areas," said Senator Wright, chairman of
the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. "It is appropriate that the
authority of security guards be upgraded given the increased security alertness
that has been implemented over the last three years.

Locally, the Oswego County Sheriff's department has had a strong partnership
with plant security officials. These proposed laws will build upon this
relationship by providing additional tools to keep plants and residents safe,"
said Senator Wright.

"In the age of terrorism, every precaution must be taken to ensure the security
of our electric infrastructure. This legislation will afford our security
personnel increased powers to strengthen security operations and protect the
facility and surrounding grounds from would be attackers. I commend Senator
Wright for his efforts to ensure the safety and continued operation of our
nuclear facilities," said Martin Currier, Vice President, IBEW Local 97.

"Constellation applauds the efforts of Senator Wright and the Legislature in
passing this important piece of legislation. This is an important step in
having a law recognize and strengthen the vital role the nuclear security
officers play in protecting public safety in the post 9-11 environment," stated
Gary L. Detter, Constellation Generation Group Manager of Security and Emergency
Preparedness Programs.

"We must do all we can to allow for maximum protections at nuclear plants
throughout the state. Giving the security personnel the necessary tools to
protect those working at the energy plants, as well as the public residing in
the surrounding areas, is most important. This legislation represents a most
critical component part of our arsenal to protect us from any terrorist
attacks," said Assemblywoman Sandra Galef (D- 90th District), sponsor of the
Assembly bill. Assemblywoman Galef's district is home to Indian Point nuclear
facilities.

This legislation (S7321A) would provide justification for a nuclear security
guard to use physical force or physical deadly force acting in the performance
of their duties when he/she reasonably believes it be necessary to prevent or
terminate the commission of a crime involving damages to the premises,
commission of a burglary, or the commission of arson. Nuclear security guards,
as defined in the legislation, would added the list of persons justified in
using this force. Current law authorizes police officer and peace officers to
use this force.

The bill has also passed the Assembly and supported by Oswego County Assembly
representatives Barclay, Oaks, Scozzafava, and Townsend.