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Public commenter warns of radionuclide risks after legislature backs advanced nuclear investment
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Summary
A public commenter told the Albany County Legislature the county's recent economic policy to invest in advanced nuclear technology raises concerns about radionuclide emissions, and urged advocacy, monitoring, and enforcement by state agencies.
Mike McGlynn, introduced by the clerk as a speaker during the public comment period, raised environmental-health concerns tied to the legislature's recent approval of an economic policy that invests county resources in advanced nuclear technology.
"The county legislature approved an economic policy investing government resources into advanced nuclear technology," McGlynn said, and warned that radionuclide emissions from nuclear waste sites require improved detection, monitoring and containment. He referenced West Valley remediation and said state programs — including the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' radiological emergency preparedness program, the New York State Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Conservation — have roles in prevention and response.
McGlynn urged the county to advocate for protection of communities and enforcement of public-health law related to radiological hazards, noting long-standing remediation efforts at West Valley and existing state agency programs responsible for radiological preparedness. He framed the concern as affecting families across the Great Lakes Basin and asked the legislature to support research and responsible management of any investments in advanced nuclear technology.
The public forum closed after his remarks and the chair announced a brief Audit and Finance Committee meeting before the main legislative session began.
