By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-995667.mp3
Vernon, VT – The Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant's license to operate under Vermont law expires in March. It's federal license extension has already been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. But the state of Vermont and nuclear watchdog group New England Coalition are challenging that action, saying the NRC improperly approved the license extension because Vermont Yankee's owner, Entergy Corp., did not meet Clean Water Act regulations. Scenic Hudson Environmental Advocacy Attorney Hayley Carlock says they filed for friend of the court status based on those Clean Water Act concerns.
Riverkeeper Hudson River Program Director Phillip Musegaas says the NRC clearly overstepped its bounds.
New England Coalition Technical Advisor Ray Shadis says the briefs from the neighboring state will be significant for their case.
Entergy-Vermont Yankee Spokesman Larry Smith told WAMC he could not comment because the case is in litigation.