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US Dept of Energy preventing tax-payer comment about nuclear loan money?

The U.S. Department of Energy is attempting to fast track its nuclear loan guarantee program by drastically limiting the opportunity for the public to comment on changes to its regulations.

On August 7^th, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) posted an announcement in the Federal Register in which it weakened the rules, as by moving taxpayers further back in the line of lenders who would be paid back in the event of nuclear project default. This puts taxpayers at increased risk of being left holding the bag for tens of billions of dollars in loan repayments when new nuclear projects go belly up.

Despite such astronomical financial risks, and the complex technical nature of the regulatory changes, DOE has allowed just 30 days for the submission of public comments. The month-long comment period just happened to coincide with the August Congressional recess, with watchdog groups as well as House and Senate Members and staff away on travel. Many could well remain unaware of the changes until Congress resumes the day after Labor Day – the very day comments are due – Tuesday, Sept. 8^th.

Read the details on DOE’s proposed nuclear loan guarantees.

September 3, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, uranium