Looks like Entergy Vermont Yankee will have an atomic companion to grow old(er) with. Friday before the long holiday weekend it was announced that Entergy’s Pilgrim Nuclear Power station would be granted a 20 year operating license extension by the NRC. This comes over the objections of the Governor of Massachusetts, Attorney General Martha Coakley and a dissenting vote form outgoing NRC Chairman Gregory Jazcko.

AG Coakley had cited what she said were unaddressed safety concerns raised by the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last year. She noted Pilgrim's method of storing spent fuel rods was the same method used by Fukishma.

Chairman Jazcko had recommended a delay while various issues regarding Pilgrim’s operation were still under review. Among the concerns are plant security, possible damage to certain fish species and over the past year Pilgrim was shut down three times for safety issues and placed on additional NRC oversight.

However the NRC can always keep em runin’ for Entergy

The NRC said if the license renewal were to be put aside on appeal, Pilgrim's previous license would be reinstated and the plant could continue to operate pending the final outcome of any appeal.

It’s quite simple- heads they win, tails we lose.