» Niigata governor criticizes TEPCO trying to restart nuclear plant

2013/07/03

The governor of Niigata Prefecture criticized Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s decision to apply for the restarts of two nuclear reactors.“There is no greater disregard for local people than this,” Governor Hirohiko Izumida told reporters on July 2 at the prefectural government office about TEPCO’s intent to restart two reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture. “It is an act to completely destroy a relationship of trust.”

Izumida criticized TEPCO for determining a course of action without providing an explanation to local governments and communities.“Who could trust such a company?” the governor said.

Izumida has been a critic of TEPCO’s handling of the accident at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.
Strong concerns from local residents about the restarts underlie the governor’s strong stance.

However, TEPCO said it is necessary to restart idle reactors as soon as possible to prevent a further increase in electricity rates.It will be impossible for our business to turn a profit (if we cannot restart the reactors),”CEO of TEPCO, Mr. Hirose said at a news conference on July 2.
<Media Report>
Niigata governor opposes nuke plant restarts, criticizes TEPCO (Asahi News paper)

Tags:news, Nigata prefecture, restart of nuclear reactors, TEPCO

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