EC adopts weaker nuke waste, safety proposals

Brussels (Platts)--8Sep2004

The European Commission Wednesday adopted a revised version of its contentious
package of draft nuclear laws, European Union energy commissioner Loyola de
Palacio said. "We hope that with the revised texts we will be able to get
unanimity in the council (of member state governments)," she said. 

De Palacio
admitted that the new rules were "less rigid" than earlier versions but said
that these had more chance of being accepted. "The main issue is that the
rules and standards are mandatory for everyone and that we will have a common
system for all member states," said de Palacio. In safety, the new text
focuses on the responsibilities of the managers of nuclear facilities as well
as the national authorities. On the management and transparency of
decommissioning funds--"a key sticking point in the council," de Palacio
said--member states now need only submit "sufficient" plans. The EC had wanted
a law makeing funds available only when needed.

Copyright © 2004 - Platts

Please visit:  www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.