NEW YORK, NY August 12, 2009 —Indian Point nuclear plant has passed a major test. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued its final safety report today. It found owner Entergy can safely manage Indian Point 2 and 3 as they age over the 20-year period that new licenses would cover. But environmental advocates disagree. Deborah Brancato is with Riverkeeper.

BRANCATO: We're not surprised at all by the NRC staff's findings. They have consistently sided with Entergy throughout the proceedings, which is why interveners like Riverkeeper and the state of New York will continue to raise relevant concerns and make sure the agency does a thorough review.

A separate NRC examination of environmental issues is still underway for Indian Point. And several objections to the relicensing -- including some from New York State -- remain to be heard.