UPDATE - US urges nuclear plant precautions after attack
Date: 12-Sep-01
Country: USA
"While there has been no credible general or specific threats to any of these (power plant) facilities, the recommendation was considered prudent, given the acts of terrorism in New York City and in Washington, D.C.," the NRC said.
Hijacked planes crashed into the major U.S. landmarks, destroying New York's twin towers and plunging the Pentagon into flames in what President George W. Bush called an "apparent terrorist attack."
The agency said it would not provide details of the heightened security measures being taken at the nation's 103 nuclear reactors located in 31 states because such steps are classified.
Nuclear power provides about 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supplies.
Progress Energy President Bill Cavanaugh said his company was coordinating with federal authorities and "is taking every step necessary to ensure safety and security" at all its facilities. "As always, safety is our top priority," he said.
Cavanaugh added that he was "shocked and saddened" by the attacks.
The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company owns two major utilities, CP&L and Florida Power, that operate nuclear power plants.
Meanwhile, the Energy Department has ordered the highest state of security readiness at its nuclear weapon laboratories.
"We've had a lockdown of our nuclear material, and we are in close contact with our labs and field offices," department spokeswoman Jeanne Lopatto said.
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has been in close contact with White House officials about the situation.
For security reasons, Lopatto refused to say where Abraham was. "He's in a safe location," she said.
