The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently denied a request to suspend its review of license renewal applications at plants like Seabrook Station. 

A number of petitioners in the area have requested that the NRC alter its policy of allowing nuclear plants to apply for an operating license renewal up to 20 years before their existing license expires. Petitioners, including the Seacoast Anti-Pollution League, want that time limit cut in half to no more than 10 years. 

The NRC is currently reviewing NextEra Energy Seabrook’s application for a 20-year extension to its operating license, which does not expire until 2030. The petitioners asked the NRC for an interim suspension of that and other reviews until a decision is made on the proposed rule change. 

The NRC ruled against the suspension, saying it would put the licensing process in a state of “endless gridlock.” “Holding up these proceedings is not necessary to ensure that the public will realize the full benefit of our ongoing regulatory review,” the NRC wrote in its ruling. “No harm, much less irreparable harm, will occur to Petitioners or others by mere continuation of the staff’s customary license renewal review process.”

Doug Bogen, executive director of the Seacoast Anti-Pollution League, said he was not surprised by the ruling. “We’re certainly disappointed, though we’ve learned not to expect much in the way of common sense action from the NRC,” he said.

However, Bogen remains hopeful that the NRC will grant his organization intervener status in the license renewal process, which would allow them to participate in future hearings about Seabrook Station’s application. He expects a determination on the intervener status within days.