"Nuclear power plants: Some regions have many more safety violations than others, suggesting inconsistent enforcement of nuclear power plant regulations, according to a GAO study."

"BOSTON -- The number of safety violations at US nuclear power plants varies dramatically from region to region, pointing to inconsistent enforcement in an industry now operating mostly beyond its original 40-year licenses, according to a congressional study awaiting release.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission figures cited in the Government Accountability Office report show that while the west has the fewest reactors, it had the most lower-level violations from 2000 to 2012 — more than 2½ times the Southeast's rate per reactor.

The Southeast, with the most reactors of the NRC's four regions, had the fewest such violations, according to the report, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press."

Jeff Donn reports for the Associated Press October 15, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Report: Dozens of Violations at Va. Nuclear Plants" (AP) [3]

"GAO report: Ala. Nuclear Plants Issued 241 Safety Violations Between 2002, 2012" (AP) [4]

"GAO: Brunswick Nuclear Plant Reported 98 Safety Violations Since 2000" (AP) [5]