WASHINGTON – Making nuclear power plants crash-proof to an airliner attack by terrorists is impracticable and it’s up to the military to avert such an assault, the government said Monday.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in a revised security policy, directed nuclear plant operators to focus on preventing radiation from escaping in case of such an attack and to improve evacuation plans to protect public health and safety.
The agency rejected calls by some nuclear watchdog groups that the government establish firm no-fly zones near reactors or require antiaircraft weapons on site to shoot down an incoming plane.
The NRC, in a summary of the mostly secret security plan, said such proposals were examined, but that it was concluded the “active protection” against an airborne threat rests with organizations such as the military or the Federal Aviation Administration.
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