North Florida Nuclear Power Plant Clears First Hurdle
Friday, August 13, 2010
By: Nicole Creston

August 13, 2010 - Plans for a north Florida nuclear power plant have gotten an early boost. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today gave a preliminary green light to the Progress Energy project.

The federal agency issued a recommendation called an “environmental impact statement,” saying the plant’s effect on the environment will be “small to moderate.” That's the first step toward construction permits and other licenses for the proposed Levy County plant.

Progress Energy officials call the NRC’s recommendation an “important milestone,” but that a lot of work lies ahead.

The Ecology Party of Florida opposes the project. Representatives say the NRC’s approval was disappointing, but not surprising.

The public has 75 days to comment on the environmental impact statement, but construction process won’t get underway for at least another year. Requirements for safety reviews, public hearings and a lengthy permitting process must be met first.