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Sierra Club Lawsuits

Sierra Club Stands Up for Safety of Communities Surrounding Nuclear Plant

Case Updates:

February 26, 2007

In a dissapointing ruling, on February 26, 2007 the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission refused to assess the potential of terrorist attacks in the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Fort Gibson, Mississippi nuclear power plant.  The commission determined that the precedent set by proceedings dealing with the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals does not apply in this case.  However one commission notably dissessented from this decision, stating that " Regardless of what eventually is determined to be the “right” legal answer, the practical reality is that the agency must and will find a way to consider the impacts of terrorism in a NEPA analysis, at least regarding applications within the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit. Thus, I believe the right policy answer is to have a consistent, nationwide approach to a NEPA terrorism analysis."  To read this decision, go here.

October 13, 2006

Communities adjacent to nuclear plants deserve to be protected and informed of health and security risks. A recent 9th circuit court of appeals ruling obligates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assess the possible from a potential terrorist attack when they issue a permit for a new nuclear plant. However, the NRC is poised to an early site permit to System Energy Resources, Inc, allowing them to go ahead with a massive new nuclear plant near Port Gibson, Mississippi without making this important assessment. The Sierra Club has taken legal action to urge the NRC to correct their failure to consider the devastating effects that a terrorist to the plant would have on the surrounding environment.

Details and Documents:

News Articles:

America's Next Nukes
July 3, 2007 by Brian Wingfield, Forbes

Groups Question Nuke Plant Terror Risk
October 13, 2006 by Holbrook Mohr (AP) Washington Post