Sanders Blocks NRC Confirmation (Vermont Public Radio)

Sanders Blocks NRC Confirmation
Wednesday, 06/29/11 7:04am
Bob Kinzel - Montpelier, VT


(Host) Senator Bernie Sanders is blocking the confirmation of a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Sanders says the NRC is "inappropriately" taking steps to extend the license of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

Sanders says William Ostendorff was one of three commission members who voted last week to ask the Department of Justice to intervene in a lawsuit on behalf of Yankee's owner.

... (Sanders) "We think that by a 3 to 2 vote, that he was one of the people who really did not understand what the authority of the NRC is. That authority is safety it's not to tell states like Vermont what they should be doing economically in terms of their energy future."

Sanders says...

http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/91259/

I've not heard a more sane person in quite some time

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1394286

Still a bit of confusion but Sanders seems pleased. No word on what will happen with the hold.