Reply #2: Proposed mini-reactor incorporates faulty safety mechanism!

[Divernan]

"However, just hours after Friday's news conference, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a statement calling on Westinghouse to answer to technical issues the agency has found in the design of the company's flagship AP1000 reactor.

"The commission takes issue with the reactor's shield building design and some pressure expected within the containment. The NRC will withhold final approval of the design until Westinghouse addresses the concerns.

"Mr. Altmire introduced the same bill last year to no avail. The renewed focus on record-high gasoline prices has created a more palatable climate for energy legislation, and a complete energy package should start coming together before the end of the year, he said.

"You can't pretend Japan didn't happen," he said, but the safety mechanism developed for Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor will be used in the Small Modular Reactor. Mr. Altmire cited the reactors' "passive cooling system," which can douse overheated reactors with water stored inside the chamber.
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Isn't that just peachy? Altmire tells us not to worry because his proposed reactors will incorporate a super duper safety mechanism used in the AP1000 reactor, and minutes later the NRC announces problems with the AP1000's safety shield building design and pressure containment.

Ya see folks, the only energy legislation Altmire's interested in sponsoring is the kind which comes with big fat corporate donations - and you won't find those with wind farms or solar energy!