Sanders Blocks NRC Official’s Confirmation Over Vermont Reactor

"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is blocking Senate confirmation of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) member William Ostendorff to another term due to NRC efforts to extend operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant over the opposition of state officials.

Sanders announced Monday evening that he had placed a procedural hold on Ostendorff. According to Sanders, the NRC voted 3-2 behind closed doors recently to recommend that the Justice Department intervene on plant owner Entergy Corp.’s behalf in the power company’s lawsuit against the state."

Ben Geman reports for E2 Wire June 27, 2011.