New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo [1] has joined attorneys general from five other states in criticizing the regulatory safety review [2] of nuclear plants.

In a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [3], the group expressed concerns about the NRC’s "continued disregard of safety issues" when reviewing the operating license of a nuclear power plant.

Calling the agency's relicensing procedure "irresponsible," Cuomo noted that license renewal reviews looked only at the physical structures of the plant, while other relevant risks were disregarded. Information assessing the potential of terrorist attacks, earthquake hazards, surrounding population density, and the sufficiency of evacuation plans are not specifically included in the review.

The Indian Point nuclear plant in Westchester has applied for a 20-year license renewal.