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Japan Crisis Puts Md. Power Plant In Question

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In 2007 officials of the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Lusby, Md., filed an application to add a third reactor to the facility. Since then, plans for the expansion have stalled due to economic concerns, and some expect the crisis in Japan could cast more doubt on those plans and the future of nuclear energy.

Mike Rencheck is the COO of Ariva Inc., the company slated to build the reactor. He says local industry analysts are watching the crisis, and learning.

"We'll take the lessons learned from this, do a systematic review, and there will likely be changes, new rules, and practices in the industry," Rencheck says.

Although scientists say large quakes or tsunamis are highly unlikely in our region, terrorism is a concern. Rencheck says new regulations and standards address the issue.

"Its been very thoroughly done over the past few years, really since 9-11, and have been in practice since then," he says.

Calvert Cliffs' first reactor was commissioned in 1975.

NPR

China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?

China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.
NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.
NPR

IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify

Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
NPR

Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System

Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.

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