Posted on 04/01/2003 8:15:56 AM PST by WaveThatFlag
In an attempt to close what they called "glaring loopholes," two assemblymen from Westchester County yesterday proposed that private security guards at New York State's nuclear power plants be allowed to carry automatic weapons.
It was the second measure introduced in the Legislature this week to bolster security at six active nuclear reactors being operated at four sites around the state.
Earlier this week, State Senator James W. Wright, a Republican of Watertown, introduced a bill to grant private security guards who patrol nuclear and electric generating plants peace officer status, allowing them to carry automatic weapons and make arrests.
Both the Senate and the Assembly bills would also authorize the guards to use deadly force; currently they may fire weapons in self-defense but must wait for law enforcement officers to arrest or pursue trespassers.
One sponsor of the Assembly bill, Richard L. Brodsky, a Democrat of Elmsford, who is seeking the closing of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, said gun controls adopted two years ago forbid private guards from carrying automatic weapons. Security officers may carry semi-automatic weapons, among other arms, but they cannot be fired as rapidly as automatic weapons.
"It's bizarre to realize that, although we get bland assurances of security, that these guys are not armed with the kind of weapons terrorists might have," said Mr. Brodsky, who introduced the bill with Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, a Democrat of White Plains.
Despite assurances from the Entergy Corporation, which owns Indian Point, Mr. Brodsky and many other advocates for shutting it down have often complained about what they consider lax security at the plant, an hour's drive north of Manhattan and to opponents an unacceptable threat to public health and safety.
Jim Steets, a spokesman for Entergy, said it supports the Senate bill sponsored by Mr. Wright as the more practical way to heighten the guards' capability to protect the plant. He said Indian Point's semi-automatic rifles are new and noted that National Guard troops supplementing the security force carry automatic rifles.
Mr. Steets also said that he believed Mr. Brodsky was more interested in highlighting a perceived weakness in security than improving it, since Mr. Brodsky has campaigned vigorously for the closing of the plant.
"As much as he conveys that he is doing something to enhance security here," Mr. Steets said, "his message is that security is inadequate and that is where we are very suspicious of him."
Suzanne Morris, a spokeswoman for Gov. George E. Pataki, said the governor believes the best course is to federalize security at the nuclear plants, something several members of Congress are pursuing, including Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not endorse that idea but it has urged Congress to allow guards at the plants to carry high-powered weaponry. A spokesman for the commission declined to comment on the New York State legislation because he had not seen the bills.
Now a belt fed full auto 50 might increase a security a bit as it could be used to stop vehicles.
Yeah, but I sure Congressperson Clinton and Assyemblymen Bronsen and Bradley were aware of that fact. They are just doing their part to support their Commander-In-Chief in this time of war.
Since when is the NFL's Buffalo franchise responsible for nuclear power plant security? Shouldn't we at least have Vikings or Patriots in charge of that?
Well, since it IS a power plant, I think the Chargers may be most appropriate.
Anybody but the Cowboys. The French would raise a stink about that.
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