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Nucler power and state radiation protection measures: the impotence of preemption

Journal Article · · Environ. Law; (United States)
OSTI ID:5492797

The doctrine of Federal preemption over state environmental laws (established mainly in the opinion of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Northern States Power Company verses Minnesota) is examined and found to be impotent because neither state nor Federal statutes promote nuclear power. The objective of each is to protect public health and safety by limiting radiation in the environment. The major environmental laws are reviewed and no evidence is found for Federal supremacy over state measures in siting and certifying nuclear power plants. The decisions reached in recent lawsuits have not extended preemption rights over states, but have characterized state measures obstructing nuclear project as protection against radiation hazards. 304 references. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
5492797
Journal Information:
Environ. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Law; (United States) Vol. 10:1; ISSN EVLWA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English