The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff recommended that...

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff recommended that the agency adopt a controversial rules change that would enable it to license nuclear power plants over the objections of state and local officials. The proposed modification in emergency planning standards is designed principally to facilitate the start-up of two $5-billion reactors on the East Coast--Seabrook in New Hampshire and Shoreham on Long Island, N.Y.--despite claims by local authorities that area residents could not be evacuated safely in the event of a serious accident. The proposed change would allow the commission to approve evacuation plans drawn up solely by the utilities, if local officials balk.