Hillary asks Entergy to OK safety reviews

Hillary asks Entergy to OK safety reviews
July 24, 2007
Buchanan - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has used the legislative stick to try and get her way on Indian Point. Now, she’s using the diplomatic carrot.On Thursday, the New York Democrat and presidential hopeful called on Indian Point owner and Entergy CEO Wayne Leonard to approve a so-called independent safety assessment of the plant.In April, Entergy submitted an application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for renewal of operating licenses. Plant critics want the NRC to evaluate plant security and emergency preparedness as part of the license review process, but the federal agency has so far refused. So Clinton has turned to lobbying Entergy itself. She met with Leonard in Washington last week. But it might be back to the drawing board for the senator. Entergy, which has quietly opposed the idea of a safety assessment in the past, was noncommittal after the senatorial sit down. “We understand the Senator’s issues and appreciate her thoughts and ideas,” Leonard said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing a productive dialogue in the future and are committed to addressing the senator’s concerns.”Greg Bruno