Vt., nuclear plant appears headed for showdown

By Dave Gram

Associated Press / March 11, 2011

MONTPELIER, Vt.-A long-awaited showdown between the state government and Vermont’s lone nuclear plant is on, and neither side has given any indication it will back down.

Some wondered if the NRC might go to court with Entergy to block any move by the state that might be seen as threatening the agency’s authority. But NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko, in a conference call with reporters on Thursday, repeatedly said the state has a role in determining the plant’s future.

Jaczko said there are “a variety of permits and requirements for this facility to operate,” adding that, “I would defer any of those actions (aside from the NRC’s approval) to the state or other authorities.”

Elizabeth Miller, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service, said she was pleased to hear that assurance from the NRC chairman.

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