Shearon Harris seeks approval to operate thru ’46

RALEIGH — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has found no environmental impacts that would prevent a North Carolina nuclear power plant from operating for nearly 40 more years.

The federal agency said Wednesday it has completed its environmental impact statement for the Shearon Harris nuclear plant southwest of Raleigh. More reviews are needed before the agency
decides whether to renew the plant’s operating license.

The plant’s current license expires in 2026. The renewal would allow operations through 2046.

Progress Energy submitted a renewal application in 2006. NRC spokesman Scott Burnell said a final decision is expected by the end of this year.

The agency issued the environmental report after reviewing comments from the public, and local, state and federal officials.

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