Capitol Calling
Missouri's irreverent and vital news source.
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The push for a second nuclear reactor in Callaway County is the subject the latest Monday analysis from the Associated Press.AP reporter Chris Blank writes how lawmakers spearheading the effort are continuing with site permit legislation even though nuclear energy is under scrutiny due the events in Japan.
From the analysis:
Backers of legislation designed to help build a second Missouri nuclear power plant are pushing forward with the idea, despite an emergency in Japan set off by an earthquake, tsunami and overheating reactors.
Yet, fears of meltdowns, radiation and the long term ramifications of the Japanese situation have spread across the Pacific. It also has tinged Missouri’s debate about whether to let power companies charge their customers for taking a preliminary step toward potentially building a second reactor here.
“Obviously it’s bad timing,” said Republican Sen. Mike Kehoe, who has sponsored one of the proposals and whose central Missouri district could include a second nuclear plant. “You couldn’t ask for any worse timing probably … but I think it also gives you an opportunity to make sure you’re highlighting the safety features any nuclear plant has designed into it.”
