Green Jersey

PSEG Nuclear files to extend licenses of South Jersey plants

PSEG Nuclear has applied for 20-year license renewals for the Salem and Hope Creek generating stations in South Jersey.

The company filed applications yesterday with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission — even though Hope Creek’s license isn’t set to expire until 2026. (Licenses of the dual-unit Salem station expire in 2016 and 2020 but PSEG Nuclear submitted materials for all three plants at once because they share operations, according to the Associated Press.)

Norm Cohen, coordinator for Unplug Salem, told the Salem County paper Today’s Sunbeam that the citizens’ group opposes the extension and believes PSE&G is “risking public health and safety in order to make more profits.” He said the company should not be allowed to apply for a 20-year license renewal for a reactor whose license doesn’t expire for 17 years.

The NRC is expected to spend 22 to 30 months to review PSEG Nuclear’s application before making a decision, according to published reports.