U.S. nuclear report released

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released its Performance and Accountability Report for 2008.

The report suggests the agency has achieved its safety and security performance goals for the past year.

The NRC oversees the civilian use and management of radioactive materials and nuclear fuel and is also tasked with protecting public health and the environment and ensuring safety.

"This report clearly demonstrates that the NRC's financial and performance data are reliable and complete and that the agency has judiciously managed the funds entrusted to it by the American public," said Chairman Dale Klein.

There are 104 nuclear power plants and nine combined license applications to build and operate 15 new nuclear power plants. It has been 30 years since a new nuclear plant was built in the United States.