Concerns overruled on N.M. nuclear plant

SANTA FE, N.M., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. government is going ahead with plans to build a nuclear plant in New Mexico despite health and safety issues raised by state regulators.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it will not reconsider an earlier decision barring the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Attorney General's office from pressing their concerns about the planned uranium-enrichment plant, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported Friday.

"We are disappointed but not surprised by the NRC's decision," said Chris Coppin, special counsel to New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid.

"The attorney general has directed her staff to review all of the state's options, including a possible appeal of the NRC's recent decision."

Gov. Bill Richardson said last week he was putting his support for the proposed plant on hold because of concerns over the storage of radioactive waste.