US regulators consider proposal for spent nuclear fuel

CARSLBAD, N.M. (AP) — Activists are gearing up to speak out as federal regulators consider a plan to temporarily store spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear reactors around the United States at a proposed site in southern New Mexico. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has opened a public comment period that will last through May on an application filed by Holtec International. Public meetings have been scheduled for late April and early May in Roswell, Hobbs and Carlsbad. Holtec and a coalition of local leaders from southeastern New Mexico first announced plans three years ago to construct a below-ground space for temporarily housing tons of spent fuel. The company is seeking an initial 40-year license. Some politicians have voiced support for Holtec's plans, but watchdog groups are concerned about environmental and health effects as well as the safety of transporting the fuel.