Thursday, February 19, 2015

Entergy: Always at the Black and Puerto Rican Annual Legislative Conference

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

I have been attending the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., Conference off and on for the past 15 years.  Although I am not crazy about going to Albany in the heart of winter, it is always well worth the trip.  It provides an opportunity for me to network with a broad combination of legislators, entrepreneurs, government officials, activists, NGO representatives and a myriad of others at the booths in the convention hall.  This year was the 44th Annual Legislative Conference. 

One thing I have noticed is that Entergy is always there.  They always have a booth that gives away great educational materials, T-shirts and I really like the water bottles.  I load up on their gear.  It is also interesting to stand with whomever is representing the company at their booth, this year it was Marva Butler, and listen to the interactions with the public.  People are always curious about nuclear power and if you can get them past the irrational fears that have been foisted on this technology, you usually get positive feedback.

Norris McDonald and Marva Butler

It was interesting when one lady came up and I asked her if she supported nuclear power. She looked at me in a strange way and then Marva started pitching the amenities of the technology.  The woman told us we were preaching to the choir.  She stated that she lived in Peekskill and was an enthusiastic supporter of Indian Point and nuclear power.  We all laughed out loud.

The New York Urban League reception was sponsored by Entergy.  Their President and CEO Arva Rice, provided a very good description of the organization's mission, goals and accomplishments.  It was also a very good reception that was well attended.


Arva Rice and Norris McDonald

We have supported Indian Point nuclear power plant for 15 years.  I remember when I first starting studying nuclear power and I ended up seeing Indian Point as the first domino that, if knocked down, could lead to other nuclear plants being closed.  That led us to launching a campaign, that continues to this day, to support this vitally important source of emission free electricity generation.

No comments: