Senate Pro-Tem Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, center, reacts during a discussion with Senator Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, second from left, as lawmakers took a break from open debate on Vermont Yankee to discuss the issue privately in the Statehouse Senate chambers, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 (Vermont Daily News/Alden Pellett)

Montpelier, Vt. – February 24, 2010 – The Vermont Senate voted overwhelmingly today against re-licensing Vermont Yankee after 2012. Twenty-six Senators voted against the measure while four voted in favor.

A cheer went up in the Senate Chambers moments after the gavel fell on the session as a balcony full of activists and Vermont Public Interest Research Group volunteers celebrated the results of the voting.  Unlike the days leading up to the vote, the chambers and Statehouse halls were almost completely absent of supporters for Vermont Yankee.

Entergy announced during a morning press conference that it had removed five senior Vermont Yankee employees, placing them on administrative leave for what it said were unintentional misunderstandings and they reprimanded  Michael Colomb, Entergy Vermont Yankee site Vice President.

Senator Peg Flory, R-Rutland, makes a case for an amendment she introduced prior to the final vote against Vermont Yankee. It was voted down. (Vermont Daily News photo)

In the morning hours, Senator Phil Scott, R- Washington,  moved that the measure be sent to the Senate Economic Development Committee for further inspection. That was soundly voted down, giving a clear indication where the final vote was headed.  Following a late break for lunch, both Senators Randall “Randy” Brock, R-Franklin,  and Margaret “Peg” Flory, R-Rutland,  introduced amendments. Again, those measures were voted down.  

Before the 3rd and final reading of the bill, Senator Susan Bartlett stood and said, “This vote is not an act of courage. Education Reform was an act of courage. Civil Union was an act of courage. Equal Marriage was an act of courage. This is a no-brainer.”　

VY spokesman Laurence M. Smith said in a notice to the press following the vote, “The effort to win a 20-year renewal of Vermont Yankee’s operating license is far from over. We remain determined to prove our case to the legislature, state officials and the Vermont public.”

VPIRG volunteers raise a banner outside the Statehouse after the Vermont Senate voted to retire Vermont Yankee as scheduled in 2012. (Vermont Daily News/Alden Pellett)

　-Vermont Daily News staff report