Federal commission to rule on license extensions for Salem 1 and 2 reactors

Update: The extensions have been granted to the Salem 1 and 2 reactors, meaning their operating licenses are good until 2036 and 2040, respectively. The Associated Press reports both reactors were found to be safe.

Original report: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to decide today whether to extend the operating licenses for the Salem 1 and 2 nuclear reactors in Lower Alloways Creek Township.

The PSEG reactors are seeking 20-year extensions.

Independent experts on the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards have already advised the NRC to extend the licenses for Salem 1 and 2, as well as Hope Creek, as Today’s Sunbeam reports. Hope Creek’s request won’t be reviewed until July.

The NRC’s review of the Salem reactors began in August 2009.