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Agreements over lawsuits for IP's future; cyber-security plan to be put in place

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-980422.mp3

Buchanan, NY – While Entergy seeks solutions at the Vermont Yankee plant, the company is also gearing up for re-licensing at the Indian Point nuclear plant in the lower Hudson Valley. Entergy officials appear to be showing signs of optimism regarding that re-licensing. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Greg Fry reports on the latest developments regarding Indian Point...

Operating licenses for Indian Point Units 2 and 3 expire in 2013 and 2015. Whether those federal licenses are granted will depend on a number of factors. Entergy Corporation, which operates the plant, is fighting a decision by New York State environmental officials regarding a water quality certificate needed for the license renewal. The company is fighting an uphill battle against the Cuomo administration, as the Governor and his staff have stated their intentions to see the plant shut down when the licenses expire.

Jim Steets is a spokesperson for Entergy. Speaking previously with WAMC News, Steets said that the company would continue to make its case, and would keep trying to earn the Governor's support, along with that of the public. He says Indian Point has value, and is extremely important, particularly in New York City.

Entergy's top executive said Tuesday during a conference call that the company will seek agreements in Vermont and New York to continue operations, rather than trying to defend those operations through years of court battles.

One new element to the re-licensing of Indian Point is a plan that has just gained approval on the federal level. That plan maps out protections at the plant against computer hackers, and the possibility of a cyber attack.

It's an issue that may not take the lead in the debate over the plant's future, but it's an issue that needs to be considered, according to Ralph Stein, a professor at the Pace University School of Law, who teaches a class on counter-terrorism and national security law. Stein says this is a reality today. He says the military is engaged in extensive cyber warfare investigations, and adds that when you talk about a private company like Entergy, those types of entities are probably more vulnerable than the government.

Stein raises the issue of a large number of banks and retailers, which have reported to consumers that information has been hacked by attackers. He says cyber warfare is a completely different topic, but one that is realistic. Stein says whether it's a lone wolf or an organized group, hackers could cause danger by disrupting the power grid.

Stein says for most, the concern of a cyber attack is nothing more than a potential danger to information privacy, including their credit rating. He says most don't consider an attack that would cripple an industry or region.
Very little about the plan, as expected, has been released. Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials say that most of the plans will be implemented by the end of next year. A mandated implementation deadline is 2014.