Sen. Carper Reacts to East Coast Earthquake’s Impact on Area Nuclear Power Plants

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Safety, released the following statement in reaction to the Aug. 23 earthquake felt across the East Coast and its impact on nuclear plants in the affected area:

“I’m relieved that it appears that none of our nuclear plants were damaged due to yesterday’s earthquake and that all plants followed the appropriate safety protocols. I remain hopeful that the North Anna nuclear power plant will get back online after completing all of the necessary safety inspections. I also encourage the nuclear industry and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to continue to remain vigilant as we may experience aftershocks in the coming days and weeks from this earthquake, and as we face a potentially dangerous hurricane on our eastern shoreline.

“While it is good news that this earthquake did not cause any harm to our nuclear facilities in the affected area, it serves as an important reminder that we must ensure that our nuclear power plants adhere to a strong culture of safety. It also underscores the need to move forward on safety enhancements recently proposed by a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Task Force. These enhancements will bolster our nuclear power plants’ abilities to withstand significant seismic activity and other significant natural disasters.”

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