Safety Review Ordered At Vermont Yankee

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State officials are going to require Vermont Yankee to undergo an independent safety review as part of its effort to win a new operating license.

Entergy Nuclear, the company that owns Yankee, believes the current federal review process is adequate. But opponents of the relicensing told the State Nuclear Advisory Panel Tuesday night that an independent assessment would clearly show any problems at the 35-year-old plant.

"How are the owners treating the power plant?" said Ray Shadis, who is opposed to Vermont Yankee. "This is the best diagnostic tool that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has in its toolbox."

The advisory panel voted to require the separate independent review late Tuesday night. The public service department will draw up the criteria by January.

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