Indian Point to Operate With Expired License: Media Reports

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says that Entergy may continue to operate Unit 2 at the Indian Point nuclear power plant after its 40-year license expires in September.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting the Associate Press, said the NRC's ruling Aug. 19 was expected.

According to CBS New York, Indian Point would be the first nuclear power plant to do so. 

NRC regional administrator Bill Dean said in May the reactor could keep operating because Entergy Nuclear, its owner, filed for renewal more than five years before the expiration date, CBS New York said.

News outlets said the decision on whether to relicense the plant would take at least another year. Relicensing is strongly opposed by environmental groups and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he is against it. 

Part of the relicensing fight turns on Entergy's use of Hudson River water.