Amid ongoing concerns about safety, environmental risks, and financial accountability, I have submitted a formal statement to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) opposing the proposed license renewal for the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant.
The NRC is currently reviewing a Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) request from Dominion Energy to extend the V.C. Summer plant’s operation from 60 to 80 years. However, over the facility’s history, there have been falsified reports, structural failures, and regulatory lapses.
We need full transparency, independent safety assessments, and community reinvestment before the NRC considers extending the plant’s license.
Decades of Safety Failures and Mismanagement
There has been a long history of regulatory failures and safety concerns at the V.C. Summer plant.
1. Falsified reports and lack of oversight
Over the years, SCANA and Dominion Energy executives have been found guilty of submitting false reports to regulators, misleading the public about the plant’s safety and operational risks.
In 2020, former SCANA Chief Operating Officer Stephen Byrne pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, admitting to knowingly misrepresenting the project’s progress.
An investigation is needed into how the NRC verifies the accuracy of self-reported data from Dominion Energy and what independent verification methods are in place.
2. Structural Deficiencies and Equipment Failures
Recent NRC inspections uncovered cracks and leaks in the emergency diesel generator system, some dating back 20 years. These generators serve as a critical safety component to maintain power in emergencies.
The NRC must require a full, independent structural integrity assessment of all aging infrastructure, including backup power systems, reactor components, and containment structures.
A timeline of past equipment failures and leaks should be publicly disclosed before approving an extension.
3. Environmental and Public Health Risks
With cracks and leaks documented in key safety systems, questions remain about potential radiation exposure to nearby communities. Independent third-party contamination testing is needed to determine radiation exposure levels in the surrounding area.
Does water and soil contamination affect Fairfield County residents?
A comprehensive analysis should be done of cancer rates and related illnesses in the area over the past 20 years compared to pre-plant construction health data.
4. Financial and Community Burden
South Carolina ratepayers are still paying off over $2 billion from the failed V.C. Summer expansion project, which was abandoned in 2017 after massive cost overruns.
Will a license renewal result in further financial burdens on residents. A full disclosure of financial transactions must be made, including how much money has been paid through:
- Taxes and grants to local government.
- Settlements related to safety violations and lawsuits.
A Call for Accountability and Community Reinvestment
Beyond addressing immediate safety concerns, there must be long-term community reinvestment to mitigate the damage caused by decades of mismanagement.
Proposed conditions for any license renewal include:
- Health Studies and Medical Investments – Dominion Energy must fund independent medical research and expand healthcare services to address increased cancer rates and other health disparities in Fairfield County.
- Workforce Education and Training – The company should commit to training local workers, partnering with technical colleges and universities to create career opportunities in nuclear safety, engineering, and environmental sciences.
- Community Redevelopment and Infrastructure Modernization – Dominion Energy must invest in local infrastructure improvements, ensuring Fairfield County benefits from modern amenities, technology access, and economic development.
No License Renewal Without Transparency and Oversight
While nuclear energy is a critical part of the U.S. energy grid, the NRC must prioritize safety, accountability, and environmental justice before extending V.C. Summer’s license.
The NRC is strongly urged to reject Dominion Energy’s SLR application unless the company:
- Undergoes an independent third-party safety review
- Discloses past regulatory violations, falsifications, and settlements
- Funds comprehensive public health studies
- Commits to legally binding reinvestment in Fairfield County
The people of South Carolina deserve truth, transparency, and accountability before the V.C. Summer nuclear plant is allowed to continue operating for another 20 years. The NRC must act decisively to protect public safety, prevent corporate negligence, and ensure the voices of affected communities are heard.
Bishop Redfern II, the General Overseer of the Ecumenical Church at redfern2@ecumenical.us | (803) 730-2758
