Nuke plant development not in energy bill draft

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 | 8:56 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Certain incentives for developing new nuclear power plants have been left out of a draft of the nuclear component of a pending energy bill, but others may appear at a later date.

Lawmakers working to complete a compromise of the House and Senate bills passed earlier this year released the draft nuclear language Tuesday. Negotiations are still under way.

Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said he would not use construction loan guarantee or federal power purchase agreements to entice new nuclear power plant development in the energy bill, although he will develop other incentives for new nuclear power.

The draft does extend federal nuclear liability protection through 2023. The nuclear industry has said a rebirth of nuclear power would not be possible without the protection and has fought for an extension.

The language also limits Energy Department contractors' reimbursement for fighting whistleblower cases to legal expenses only for the initial judicial determinations, and not for multiple appeals unless a subsequent appeal finds in favor of the contractor.

Whistleblower complaints would also need to be settled within 18 months or the case can move to the court system, should the language be approved.

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