Amid the increased attention to new nuclear plant construction, several recent events may bring shutdown and decommissioning back into current-day discussions.rnThe Vermont state senate voted 26-4 in February not to approve the license renewal of Entergy's Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, primarily due to concerns about Entergy's handling of recent tritium leaks. In January, Exelon indicated it would close its Oyster Creek plant if compelled to install retrofit cooling towers by proposed New Jersey regulations. While conditions could change and both plants may continue operating for a long time, it's possible some operating nuclear plants may have to begin planning for shutdown in the near future. While decommissioning's technical aspects are fairly cut and dried, the significant personal, local and regional impacts associated with a nuclear plant shutdown are much less certain.
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