Officials with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reportedly want Westchester County officials banned from Indian Point?s relicensing hearings.

Published reports say the county won?t get a say in the federal review if the staff recommendations of the NRC hold up. NRC officials and Riverkeeper both say banning the county from the hearings is a reply to the petitions that have been filed in court against relicensing. Both groups say ultimately, the licensing board, not the NRC, will decide what goes forward. In addition, an NRC spokesman says the county did not meet the hearing requests.

Susan Tochin, advisor for Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, says the county will be at the hearings no matter what. Tochin adds that the county and the state partnered together in their contentions against relicensing.

County officials also say they filed a lawsuit to widen the criteria for a hearing to include the changing demographic and the threat of terrorism at the Buchanan plant.

Related Information:Stateleaders file papers to shut down Indian PointEPAwants terrorism regarded in relicensing Indian Pt.