NRC Commissioner Votes To Deny Pilgrim License

The chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has voted to deny the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station the right to operate another 20 years, but his vote is likely in the minority.

Opponents of Pilgrim's license renewal said Thursday that chairman Gregory Jaczko is likely the lone dissenter against relicensing.

Jaczko, who this month announced his resignation, seemed to acknowledge as much, calling support for the Plymouth facility among the other commissioners "unprecedented." He urged them to delay their votes while litigation remains unresolved.

It's unknown when the commission will issue its final decision.

Opponents of Pilgrim relicensing say even after a six-year review the plant has unaddressed security, safety and environmental concerns.

The staff of the NRC has already recommended the license renewal, saying Pilgrim can safely operate another 20 years.