NRC Grants Extension of Indian Point Public Comment Period

WASHINGTON – In response to a request from Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Congressmen John Hall (D-NY), and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has agreed to grant a 60-day extension for intervener petitions to be filed in connection to the Indian Point nuclear reactor license renewal process. Led by Lowey, the four House members wrote the NRC earlier this month, requesting that more time be given for outside parties to file formal intervener petitions regarding the license renewal of the nuclear power plant.

Lowey said, "The impact that the relicensing of Indian Point could have on safety and on the environment in the surrounding area is significant, and I am pleased that the public voice will be heard on this matter."

"This additional time will allow for concerned parties to formally intervene in the relicensing process," Hinchey said. "I appreciate the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's willingness to do the right thing in this case by granting an extension for public intervention. With very serious and repeated failures at Indian Point, including security lapses, radioactive leaks, and unplanned shutdowns, there remain very serious concerns about Indian Point that need to be fully analyzed and addressed through the relicensing process."

Intervener petitions provide an opportunity for concerned citizens and groups to officially register their opinions about pending NRC decisions. As a result of the NRC's new ruling, the petition deadline has been extended from October 1 to November 30, 2007. The deadline for general public comments on the relicensing of Indian Point is October 12, 2007.