There is a renewed call to authorize an independent safety review of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant now that there is a new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Lawmakers have made requests to have an independent safety assessment done at Indian Point, however, the former chairman of the NRC felt there was no need. Legislators are now renewing their request. A petition with 5,000 signatures was delivered to Congresswoman Sue Kelly's (R-Katonah) office supporting legislation that would require the NRC to authorize an independent safety study of the plant.

The bill calls for an in-depth study of the design, construction, maintenance and operational safety of the plant by an agency other than the NRC, which currently conducts the safety checks. However, Kelly says if the new chairman gives the go-ahead, there is no need for the legislation.