NRC: No 'turf war' over VY

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is disputing an industry critic's assertion that an appeal by NRC staff of a quasi-judicial review panel's determination on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant represents a "turf war."

NRC staff reviewing Vermont Yankee's request for a 20-year license extension have appealed a ruling by an oversight panel, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, that questioned the staff's review of the issue of metal fatigue at the Vernon reactor.

Raymond Shadis of New England Coalition said Wednesday that the appeal signaled a "turf war," between the agency staff and the review panel.

But NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan says it's not unusual for the staff to appeal rulings by the licensing board.