Westchester County is suing to try to stop federal regulators from renewing the operating licenses for Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has already rejected the county?s request for broader criteria for its license renewal of the plants. Westchester County Executive Andy Spano says in light of 9/11 and the fact that the areas around the plant are now densely populated, the criteria should be re-evaluated. Spano has filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals asking for a review of the NRC?s decision.

Jim Steets, spokesman for plant owner Entergy, says the NRC has focused directly on the same issues the county executive is asking it to review. Steets says the licensing process is not an appropriate place for addressing those concerns. Spano says he intends to appeal to legislators in Washington for help.

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