The wet weather didn't damper the spirits of a handful of people outside a federal courthouse in Brattleboro, VT on Thursday.
People from both sides of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant debate were on hand at a hearing on whether the company can continue operation until the legal battle is resolved.
"Yes it's great to see people coming out and showing support, their support for the state," said Shawn Dunwoody.
While outside you couldn't ignore the protestors
That wasn't the case inside the courtroom.
"There's very little of the pro-nuclear or anti-nuclear sense in the case at all. This is really technical legal questions," said Vermont Law School Professor Pat Parenteau.
Entergy Nuclear, which operates the plant, is arguing that the state's ruling to shutdown its operations next March is illegal.
Its attorney says the company is an energy wholesaler, which can only be regulated by the federal government.
However, state attorney's say when Entergy bought the plant in 2002 it agreed to be bound by state law.
Vermont Law School Professor Pat Parenteau sat in on the arguments.
He says that the judge's decision will go beyond the Green Mountain State.
"All the other nuclear power plant operators across the country are watching what's happening here to see is the court going to allow the State of Vermont to do what it's proposing to do," said Parenteau.
Parenteau says it could be awhile before a decision is made.
But first, more arguments will be heard Friday.
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