nuclear-news

Foes of Comanche Peak expansion present their case

Foes of Comanche Peak expansion present their case Star Telegram 15 june 09

By JACK Z. SMITH

GRANBURY “……………….

Luminant Generation, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Energy Future Holdings (the former TXU Corp.), is applying to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a construction and operating license for two new 1,700-megawatt generating units at Comanche Peak.

Plant-expansion opponents have raised 19 issues, or “contentions,” that express alarm about the potential environmental, public safety and economic effects of adding two units.

With the two-day hearing concluded, the panel headed by Ann Marshall Young will consider the oral arguments in deciding whether to grant plant opponents status as an intervener in the licensing process.

Gaining that status would give opponents a greater say in the licensing process, including participation in a full public hearing on any of the 19 contentions that the panel might judge worthy of additional inquiry…………………..Plant-expansion opponent Karen Hadden, in comments to the Star-Telegram, cited a 1982 study done by Sandia National Laboratories for the NRC that raised the possibility of large-scale fatalities in the event of major radiation leaks from Comanche Peak or other nuclear plants……………………………One issue: cost Luminant Generation estimates that it will spend $15 billion to build two 1,700-megawatt units. A study commissioned by Public Citizen estimated the cost at between $23.8 billion and $27.6 billion.

Foes of Comanche Peak expansion present their case | Business | Star-Telegram.com

June 15, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized