News Coverage
SC nuclear plants' licenses renewed for years to come
Published January 16, 2005
(Columbia-AP) Jan. 16, 2005 - South Carolina's nuclear power plants have been given the go-ahead to operate many years into the future, raising some concerns about how radioactive waste produced at these aging reactors will be stored.
Operating licenses for the state's seven nuclear reactors have been renewed into the 2030s and beyond for some facilities.
But some watchdog groups are troubled that the waste those reactors produce will be left behind. Those critics say the relicensing process was streamlined and boosted the industry for years to come.
Nuclear industry officials disagree, citing an outstanding safety record and efficient energy. A recent report by the Environmental Working Group found that because of the extended operating licenses and delays with a nuclear waste dump in Nevada, the waste generated could be left at the sites indefinitely.