NRC looks at nuke plant shutdown fund

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) - August 20, 2009 Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials said Thursday they're reviewing action plans owners were asked to submit, explaining how they'd address funding shortfalls for shutting down reactors. NRC officials in June notified owners of the shortfalls, caused in part by the nation's financial meltdown.

The AP reported in June that over two years, estimates of dismantling costs for the U.S. nuclear industry increased by more than $4.6 billion due to rising energy and labor costs, while funds set aside for shutdowns have lost $4.4 billion in the stock market.