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January 22, 2013

News about the nuclear technologies industry

News Roundup

Opinion: Inaugural address means more focus on climate change
In his inaugural address Monday, President Barack Obama laid out a series of goals for his second term, one of which was addressing climate change, writes columnist Gerald Seib. Four years ago, climate change had only a brief mention in Obama's first inaugural address. "That, surely, is a sign of changing times," Seib writes. The Wall Street Journal (1/22)

Va. legislature considers lifting uranium-mining moratorium
Virginia's General Assembly is considering bills proposing to lift uranium-mining bans in the state. Proponents say allowing the mining would benefit the state economically and increase national security. Gov. Bob McDonnell is waiting on a research report before expressing his support for either side of the issue, a spokesman said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/19)

Southern Nuclear updates Plant Vogtle evacuation-plan analysis
Southern Nuclear has filed an updated emergency evacuation plan for people living within 10 miles of its Plant Vogtle in Georgia. Changes in population and evacuation timetables were among the reasons for the updated analysis. Evacuations could be finished in 90 to 205 minutes, but such efforts would depend on time of day, weather and other conditions, according to the plan. The Augusta Chronicle (Ga.) (1/21)

Engineering issue at Neb. plant prompts increased NRC oversight
Bad calculations in the design of the Omaha Public Power District's Fort Calhoun nuclear plant in Nebraska and the utility's use of a type of insulation at the site have prompted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to raise its scrutiny of the facility. The issues could affect the timetable for restarting the plant. "There's still a lot of work to be done," said Lara Uselding, an agency spokeswoman. Lincoln Journal Star (Neb.) (tiered subscription model)/The Associated Press (1/21)

Nev. report: Yucca Mountain project is nearly ended
A report filed by the Nevada Commission on Nuclear Waste noted progress in the state's efforts against the storage of radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain. The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking to abandon its license application for the project. Las Vegas Sun (1/21)

Management & Leadership

How to lead without making decisions
It's often best for bosses to avoid making some decisions, says Kon Leong, co-founder and CEO of ZL Technologies. Answer your workers' questions with questions, and encourage them to find the answers for themselves. "It can be very frustrating to my employees, but I'm trying to get others to scale up and learn," Leong explains. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/19)

If your workers won't change, maybe you should
Bosses whose workers resist change have only themselves to blame, writes Disneyland entertainment manager Duane Dike. To inspire employees to embrace new ways of working, bosses need to take a more human and transformational approach to leadership, Dike explains. "[I]n many cases, the real resistance comes from bosses who refuse to change the way they lead," he writes. Management-Issues (U.K.) (1/21)

International

Japan's NRA unveils draft safety rules for nuclear plants
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority on Monday unveiled a draft outline of new nuclear safety rules. According to the outline, operators will have to build a secondary control room and install filtered vents to decrease radiation during pressure releases. Japan is expected to implement new rules for nuclear plants in July. The Economic Times (India)/Press Trust of India (1/21)

Australia kicks off nuclear-cooperation talks with India
Australia has begun nuclear-cooperation talks with India. The discussions could pave the way for Australian uranium exports to India, which is working to expand its nuclear energy industry. The Wall Street Journal (1/21)

U.K. considers sale of stake in Urenco
The U.K. government is considering selling its 33% stake in uranium enrichment firm Urenco, said a spokesman for the country's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Toshiba and Areva have expressed interest in acquiring the shares, according to industry sources. Reuters (1/21)

SmartQuote

It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to."

--W.C. Fields,
American comedian, actor and writer

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