MIAMI \u2014 Miami Waterkeeper\u2019s advocates continued their legal fight challenging the federal government\u2019s extension of the Turkey Point nuclear power plant\u2019s operating license. <\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the Coral Gables-based nonprofit organization <\/a>announced Attorney Rachael Curran filed a petition <\/a>to initiate an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.<\/p>\n In a statement, Curran, who represents Miami Waterkeeper in the appeal, said the nonprofit was asking the court to ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission<\/a>, the federal agency tasked with protecting public health and safety related to nuclear energy, \u201cmeaningfully evaluates and mitigates, as required by law, the real risks\u201d of extending operations at the Turkey Point facility from 2032 through 2053.<\/p>\n Rachel Silverstein, the chief executive officer of Miami Waterkeeper, highlights that the Turkey Point<\/a> nuclear plant and its cooling canals, on the edge of Biscayne Bay, sit atop the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for millions in South Florida. <\/p>\n \u201cThe NRC\u2019s decision to allow this risky nuclear license extension to remain does not resolve the serious environmental risks posed by operating this facility for decades longer, like ongoing groundwater contamination into our drinking water supply, and operating into an era of climate risks like sea level rise, high temperatures, and stronger storms,\u201d Silverstein said. <\/p>\n The Florida Power & Light Company reports that Turkey Point<\/a> generates \u201cenough power to supply the annual needs of more than 900,000 homes.\u201c It has been in operation since 1972.<\/p>\n For more information about Miami Waterkeepers\u2019 efforts, visit this page<\/a>. <\/p>\n Related document: The 96-page petition filed <\/a><\/p>\n