The representatives have asserted that granting the plant a license extension covering operation from 2030 to 2050 based on inspections done in 2012 is illogical.

In 2011, the government lifted the 40-year limit on all reactors, allowing owners to apply for license extensions in 10-year increments.

The deal is contingent on winning a 20-year license extension from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Mr. Wallace said that the 20-year license extension was nearly certain and that "it's a slam-dunk till 2029 - the question is how many years beyond."

At the least, it should not be granted a license extension for an additional 20 years.

On April 8, 2009 the plant was granted a license extension to operate until April 9, 2029.

To avoid bitter negotiations with their opponents, they have often opted for one-year license extensions.

How many old plants will actually apply for license extensions is uncertain.

The license extension was conditioned upon programs to:

Since talk a few years ago of a "nuclear renaissance", gas prices have fallen and old reactors are getting license extensions.