Before new nuclear power plants receive approval for their initial operating licenses, many factors are taken into consideration, including population density around the plant and the assurance that evacuation plans can be effectively implemented in the case of a radiological emergency.

Yet, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) does not examine these factors when deciding whether to renew a license for twenty years. This is of particular concern for the Indian Point nuclear power plant, given the high population increase since the plant was first sited in the 1950s. The NRC also does not take into consideration the risk or potential consequences of a terrorist attack on Indian Point.

The Nuclear Power Licensing Reform Act of 2007 (H.R.2162) would require the NRC to consider security vulnerabilities as well as the viability of evacuation plans for the population living within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant. It would also require that any license renewal meet the same criteria that an initial application would have to meet. The legislation does not have a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

UPDATE

Since being introduced on March 3, 2007, H.R. 2162 has remained in the House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce and Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality. No companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.

Riverkeeper strongly supports passage of The Nuclear Power Licensing Reform Act of 2007 and will urge our Congressional delegation to introduce this legislation in the U.S. Senate and support swift passage of both bills.