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Steve's favorite news links

* The Newseum's daily compendium of front pages from around the world

* Nevada state government's nuclear-oriented "What's New" page, updated daily with links to fresh articles from around the world.

* Google News, updated continuously throughout the day.

* America's Party News - God-fearing, liberty-loving, sovereignty-conserving folks have a great plan to save our nation

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FUKUSHIMA NEWS

* [Fukushima-Japan-npp] Taxpayers on the hook for Fukushima liability - industrial policy has its hazard, Sunil Chacko, webojen.com (via @MyFukushima)
Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster is being investigated in Japan now with increased vigor by the Parliamentary Commission led by a vocal international leader, Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa. According to Japan's major newspaper, Nikkei, Fukushima nuclear power plant had been operating based on internal safety standard, not of any independent body, thus seriously lacking in its accountability. To make the situation worse, there is apparent seething anger in Japan that Japanese government carries the ultimate liability, unlike the US, thus Japanese tax payers have to bear its huge cost burden. Government-led industrial policy has its hazard in times like this as its risk is not diversified, but concentrated on its tax payers, including other corporations, lowering its global competitiveness.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Yukio Hatoyama and Rep. Tomoyuki Taira have called for nationalization of the TEPCO Fukushima nuclear plant, if only to know what really happened there because they have had difficulty accessing key documents from the company even while being prominent parliamentarians.

* [Fukushima-health effects] Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Health Impact Relatively Small, UN Official Says, Fredrik Dahl, Reuters (via @nuclearnewsbot)
Wolfgang Weiss, chairman of the U.N. Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), speaking on the sidelines of a week-long meeting of 60 international experts in Vienna to assess the radiation exposures and health effects of Fukushima: The health impact of last year's Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan appears relatively small thanks partly to prompt evacuations... "As far as the doses we have seen from the screening of the population ... they are very low," Weiss told Reuters. ... Weiss said Japanese experts attending the meeting had told him that they were not aware of any acute health effects, in contrast to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. ... Weiss said a few workers at Fukushima had received high radioactive doses, but "so far the initial medical follow-up of these workers who had high doses, as far as the Japanese colleagues told us, was OK". A preliminary report on the radiation effects of Fukushima will be presented at UNSCEAR's annual meeting in May and a final document will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. ... Asked whether he was optimistic that the overall health effects would be quite small, Weiss said: "If we find out that what we know now is representing the situation, then the answer would be yes ... the health impact would be low."

* [Fukushima-health effects] Health impact small from Fukushima, Radio New Zealand (via Nevada ANP)

* [Fukushima-health effects] No big Fukushima health impact seen: U.N. body chairman, Fredrik Dahl, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [Fukushima] Japan journalist interviews father of newborn with heart defect: "Really frustrating I can't prove it's because of Fukushima" (VIDEO), ENEnews (via @Enenews)

* [Fukushima-org-ANS] American Nuclear Society donations and solidarity banner in Fukushima (via @ans_org)
Banner: "... This is not the end, this is the beginning of a new nuclear age."

* [Fukushima-Hatamura Commission] Fukushima investigation panel to issue final report in July, Denki Shinbum - The Electric Daily News (via @djysrv)
Hatamura said, "There is little point in conducting the hearings without making it clear what we want to question and what we want to clarify," suggesting the panel's plan to conduct the hearings only after gathering sufficient information from the immediate parties concerned. The committee has also made a decision to invite specialists from abroad and seek their opinions for compiling the final report. They will visit the Fukushima I nuclear power station, which caused the accident, on February 23 and hold a public session at a hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo on February 24 and 25.

* [Fukushima-Hatamura Commission] Fukushima investigation panel to issue final report in July, Denki Shimbun (via Nevada ANP)

* [Fukushima-TEPCO] Member of Japan Parliament: I now believe Tepco was trying to hide radiation levels measured after quake - People in Japan deceived (VIDEO), Kono Taro interviewed by Helen Caldicott, Jan 27 (via @Enenews)

* [Fukushima-site recovery] Tepco has been ignoring the risk of frozen pipes, Fukushima Diary (via @Enenews)
Tepco Employee: It was predicted pipes would freeze causing water leakage... What are they doing?

* [Fukushima] Asahi on "unusual" Fukushima information: Reactor No. 5 had inadequate quake protection - Official to conduct thorough investigation after Tepco's found no "clear" damage, ENEnews (via @FukushimaEng and @Enenews)

* [Fukushima-Japan-npp-Genkai] 1,704 people seek shutdown of Genkai nuclear plant in largest group suit, Kyodo News, subscription required (via @FukushimaEng)

* [Fukushima] U.N. Watchdog Tentatively Backs Japan's Nuclear Stress Tests, Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times (via @FukushimaEng)

* [Fukushima] Japan's nuclear stress tests consistent with IAEA standards: IAEA team, Kyodo (subscription required) (via @FukushimaEng)

* [Fukushima-Japan-npp-Oi] Watch: Scuffle at Japan nuclear hearing - Gov't official appears to assault member of public (VIDEO) (via @Enenews)

* [Fukushima] NIRS asks: What is your group planning for #Fukushima anniv. actions? Let us know (nirsnet@nirs.org); we will help w/outreach, (via @nirsnet)

* [Fukushima-plant photo] [photo] Panorama shot of Fukushima Daiichi Reactors 1 - 4 (via @Enformable)

* [Fukushima-plant photo] [photo] The ground at #Fukushima is covered with steel to lower radioactivity emitting from the soil and support equipment (via @Enformable)

* [Fukushima-plant photo] [photo] Clearing debris between #Fukushima reactor buildings by crane elevated on steel platform (via @Enformable)

* [Fukushima-radiation-animals] Japanese Veterinarian Tries to Save Animals in Fukushima Evacuation Zone, AsianWeek (via @MyFukushima)
Dr. Shigeki Imamoto, who runs the Shinjo Animal Hospital in Nara Prefecture, has made it his mission to fight for the lives of cows, pigs, horses and chickens in exclusion zone, as well as help the region's farmers

* [Fukushima-radiation-animals] Fukushima pets in no-go zone face harsh winter, Reuters (via @nuclearnewsbot)

* [Fukushima-Daini] Fukushima Daini Jan 31, 2012 update - maintenance on unit 3 RHR train A and diesel generator A, TEPCO press release (via @Enformable)

* [Fukushima-TEPCO] TEPCO sees no change in 17% electricity rate hike plan for companies, Kyodo (subscription required), (via @FukushimaEng)

* [Fukushima] TEPCO seeks gov't understanding of need to raise power charges: president, Kyodo News Advisory (via @FukushimaEng and

* [Fukushima] Gov't frets over economic impact from TEPCO raising charges: minister, Kyodo News Advisory (via @FukushimaEng and

* [Fukushima-radiation-New Zealand] Report: "High level radiation cloud" detected passing over New Zealand city - Peaks reached an "incredible" 1.89 microSv/h, ENEnews (via @FukushimaEng and @Enenews)

* [Fukushima-Japan-CO2] Japan emissions rising after atomic crisis: report, Paulo Barretto, citing AFP and Energy Daily (via Paulo's Corner)

* [Fukushima-radiation-food] Hope growing for indoor farming in disaster-hit Tohoku region, Daily Yomiuri (via Nevada ANP)

* [Fukushima-radiation] 'Shadow meals' employed to keep families safe from radiation, Mainichi Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

* [Fukushima] Niigata nursery school workers set up space for Fukushima parents and children, Mainichi Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

see previous Fukushima news at nuclear.com's Fukushima page

US NUCLEAR POWER PLANT NEWS

* [npp-US-Byron] US plant not fazed by loss of power, World Nuclear News (also highlighted by Nevada ANP)
Automatic safety systems including diesel backup generators worked smoothly to ensure that Exelon's Byron plant remained safe and stable despite a loss of offsite power.

* [npp-US-Indian Point] New York reduces claims against Indian Point plant's relicensing, Associated Press (via NEI email; title here is NEI's - original is "NY drops 1 argument against nuke relicensing")
Here's NEI's description: New York state has dropped one of its claims against Entergy's license-renewal bid for the Indian Point nuclear plant, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The state withdrew the claim, which is related to the structural strength of the facility's containment buildings, after it secured Entergy's assurances regarding the issue. The company is still facing 23 safety and environmental concerns over the plant's relicensing.

* [npp-US-newbuild-Iowa] Iowa governor is amenable to nuclear plant funding bill, Associated Press (via NEI email)
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is open to a proposal that would permit MidAmerican Energy to recover from its customers the cost of building a nuclear plant in the state. Iowa should consider all energy sources, including nuclear, said Branstad, but the state Utilities Board should also study the plans to make sure they are in the public's interest.

* [npp-US-Byron] Illinois nuclear reactor shutdown probed, CBS News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Byron] Reactor Shutdown Blamed on Bad Insulator, NBC Chicago (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Florida] Who will help the ratepayer?, Stephen A. Smith, Tampa Bay Tribune (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point-seismic] Indian Point to reassess risk from earthquakes after new report, Greg Clary, Lower Hudson Journal (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point-seismic] NY nuke plant, others get new info for quake study, New Jersey Herald (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point] Report released on Indian Point and drinking water, John Wagner, YNN Hudson Valley (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point] Environment NY Reports Indian Point Threatens Drinking Water for New Yorkers, Liz Giegerich, Pleasantville.Patch (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point] State , Entergy reach agreement on one contention regarding Indian Point's license renewal, Mid-Hudson News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point] State Officials Assured That Indian Point's Containment Buildings Are Sound, NY1 (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Indian Point] Report: Indian Point Threatens Drinking Water, Dave Lucas, WAMC (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-newbuild-Blue Castle Project] Opposition to nuclear power plant near Green River, Barbara Galler, Emery County Progress (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-newbuild-Iowa] Iowa governor open to bill funding nuclear plant, BusinessWeek (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-newbuild-Iowa] Nuclear plant bill is gambling with Iowans' money, Sandy Easter, letter to Des Moines Register (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-newbuild-Iowa] Utilities Board remains neutral on nuclear legislation, Libby Jacobs, Iowa City Press Citizen (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-newbuild-USEPR] NOTICES Meetings: Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS); Meeting of the ACRS Subcommittee on U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor (U.S. EPR); Notice of Meeting Pages 4838-4839 [FR DOC# 2012-2016], Nuclear Regulatory Commission (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Nine Mile Point] Emergency sirens near Scriba nuke plants to be tested beginning Feb. 6, Debra J. Groom, Syracuse Post Standard (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-reactor safety] NOTICES Meetings: Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards; Notice of Meeting Pages 4837-4838 [FR DOC# 2012-2015], Nuclear Regulatory Commission (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Seabrook] City Council urges halt to nuke plant relicensing, Dyke Hendrickson, Newburyport Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Seabrook] NRC criticism over the top, Gary G. Crocker, letter to Newburyport Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-seismic-TIM-Peach Bottom] TMI and Peach Bottom to use new model to evaluate seismic hazards, York Daily Record (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-seismic] Quakes and U.S. Reactors: An Analytic Tool, Matthew L. Wald, New York Times blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-seismic] New Seismic Model Will Refine Hazard Analysis at U.S. Nuclear Plants - (pdf-), NRC (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-seismic] NRC wants U.S. nuclear operators to adopt new seismic model, Scott DiSavino, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Vermont Yankee] Entergy asks PSB to rule on Vermont Yankee, Terri Hallenbeck, BurlingtonFreePress blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-US-Vermont Yankee] NRC disputes contentions in VY water quality suit, Bob Audette, Brattleboro Reformer (via Nevada ANP)

see previous nuclear plant news at nuclear.com's main nuclear power page

OTHER NUCLEAR POWER PLANT NEWS

* [npp-newbuild-India-nuclearbiz] India eyes $100 bn foreign investment in nuclear power sector, The Economic Times (via CSIS)

* [npp-France] Report: Prolonging the lives of France's reactors is a prudent option, Karolin Schaps, Reuters (via NEI email; title here is NEI's - original is "Extending French reactors would cost least -report; Extending reactor life to cost 680-860 mln euros each; Fessenheim closure means 1.1 bln euro loss by 2020")
Extending the lives of France's nuclear plants is the most cost-effective long-term power-generation option, according to a draft report from the French government. Electricite de France expects to spend $1.13 billion to prolong the life of a reactor, compared with the $6.6 billion price tag of installing Areva's next-generation reactor, the report stated.

* [npp-newbuild-France] Extending operating lives of French reactors best option, World Nuclear News (also highlighted by Nevada ANP and Paulo's Corner)
Investing in new nuclear generating capacity or any other form of energy would be too expensive and come online too late, France's state audit office has concluded. Extending the operating lives of its existing nuclear power reactors is the country's best option.

* [npp-newbuild-Czech-AP1000] Westinghouse, Czech firm reach AP1000 deal, Paul J. Gough, Pittsburgh Business Times (via NEI email and Paulo's Corner)
Westinghouse Electric and Czech-based Metrostav have reached a deal on the development of an AP1000 reactor at the Temelin nuclear facility in the Czech Republic. "It can clearly be seen that we are taking a series of important steps to make sure we have key elements of our delivery team and our supply chain in place to ensure that the project will be a success," said Yves Brachet, Westinghouse's president for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

* [npp-Japan] Nuclear power bills clear Japan's cabinet, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press (via NEI email; title here is NEI's - original is "Japan Cabinet OKs bill to cap nuke reactor life")
Measures that would strengthen Japan's nuclear-safety rules cleared Japan's Cabinet. The bills would place a four-decade limit on the lives of reactors and establish a new regulatory body under Japan's Environment Ministry.

* [npp-Japan] Japan Cabinet OKs bill to cap nuke reactor life, Mari Yamaguchi, AP (via IAEA Daily Press Review)
Japan's Cabinet approved bills Tuesday aimed at bolstering nuclear safety regulations following last year's Fukushima disaster, including one that would put a 40-year cap on the operational life of nuclear reactors.

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] U.N. experts OK Japan's nuclear 'stress tests', Kyung Lah, CNN (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] Japan's nuclear stress tests deemed consistent with IAEA standards, Kyodo (via IAEA Daily Press Review and Nevada ANP)
An International Atomic Energy Agency fact-finding team said Tuesday that Japan's nuclear stress tests, a key step for restarting reactors following the Fukushima nuclear crisis, are "generally consistent" with IAEA safety standards.

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA approves Japan's nuclear safety tests, Deutsche Presse Agentur (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests] Japan's reactor stress tests are consistent with IAEA norms, Shinichi Saoshiro, Reuters (via NEI email)
A team of International Atomic Energy Agency experts approved Japan's stress tests for its nuclear plants. "We concluded that [the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency's] instructions to power plants [and] its review process for the comprehensive safety assessments are generally consistent with IAEA safety standards," said James Lyons, head of the IAEA team that reviewed the tests.

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA reviews Japan's nuclear restart process, World Nuclear News (also highlighted by Nevada ANP)
A team of international nuclear safety experts has reviewed Japan's procedure to confirm the safety of its nuclear plants as dire economic conditions grip the country's power industry.

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] UN nuclear agency approves Japan's stress tests, Reuters (via CSIS)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA report on 'stress test' soundness does not equal go-ahead for reactors, Mainichi Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] Nuclear safety tests in Japan appropriate: IAEA, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA approves stress tests on Japan reactors, Justin McCurry, The Guardian (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] NISA upholding stress tests but too closed: IAEA, Kazuaki Nagata, Japan Times (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] UN nuclear agency approves Japan's stress tests, Shinichi Saoshiro, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA mission inspected implementation of stress test, Denki Shimbun (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-stress tests-IAEA] IAEA OK's stress test review process, Daily Yomiuri (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Kuwait-IAEA] IAEA lauds Kuwait contribution to nuclear fuel cycle, Kuwait News Agency (via CSIS)

* [npp-France] French Auditor: Total Nuclear Decommissioning Would Cost EUR18.4 Billion, Inti Landauro, Morningstar News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-France] Still "Uncertainties" Over Nuclear Costs In France - Report, Fox Business (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-France] French Report Faults Indecision on Nuclear Industry, David Jolly, New York Times (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-France] France must extend nuclear reactors' lifespan-audit, Benjamin Mallet, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-India-railway safety] Review on railway safety, Deccan Herald (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-India-worker safety] Nuclear power plants safe for workers: Study, Daily News & Analysis (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan-IAEA] IAEA Mission Completes Review of Japanese Nuclear Safety Assessment Process, IAEA (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan] Japan eyes nuclear reactor restart to meet energy demand, Deutsche Welle (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan] Japan Cabinet OKs bills capping nuclear reactors at 40 years, merging safety agencies, Washington Post (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan] Ensure successful test-run of nuclear recycling plant, Daily Yomiuri editorial (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Japan] Cabinet approves nuclear bills, Daily Yomiuri (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-Africa] 18th AU summit concludes with package of agreements, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Work of central panel on Kudankulam over: Convenor, TwoCircles (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Expert panel, anti-Kudankulam activists rule out further talks, Daily News & Analysis (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Govt's expert panel to meet on Kudankulam issue today, NDTV (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Hindu Munnani activists rough up anti-nuke protesters, The Hindu (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Nuclear plant is totally safe, says expert group, The Hindu (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-India-Koodankulam] Centre's expert panel clears Kudankulam N-power plant, Chandigarh Tribune (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-Japan] Japan losing hope for its pricey 'dream reactor', Chico Harlan, Washington Post (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-newbuild-Russia-Kaliningrad] Nuclear unclarity: Russia's Baltic energy expansion in doubt, Vitaly Belousov, RT (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-Sweden] Nordic power-Market edgy on Sweden nuclear outages, Gwladys Fouche, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [npp-UK-Sizewell] Leiston residents angered by Sizewell B compensation scheme, BBC News (via Nevada ANP)

IRAN NEWS

* [Iran-wardrums-Israel] Israel Will Attack Iran In 2012, Neal Conan, NPR (via CSIS)

* [Iran-wardrums] A real debate about Iran, Shlomo Brom et al, Foreign Policy (via CSIS)

* [Iran-wardrums] Iran keeping option open on nuclear weapon: U.S. spy chief, Reuters (via CSIS)

* [Iran-wardrums] 'War in Iran would mean WWIII', RT (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [Iran-wardrums] Fingers Itch For A War On Iran, Vijay Prashad, EurasiaReview (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [Iran-wardrums] Attacking Iran: Lessons from the Iran-Iraq War, Annie Tracy Samuel, Belfer Center policy brief (via Paulo's Corner)

* [Iran-wardrums] Why attacking Iran won't stop the nukes, Matthew Fuhrmann and Sarah Kreps, USA Today (via Paulo's Corner)

* [Iran-IAEA] IAEA has option to extend visit to Iran: foreign minister, NavhindTimes (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [Iran-IAEA] IAEA Can Visit Any Iranian Atomic Facility, Foreign Minister Says, Global Security Newswire (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [Iran-IAEA] Iran Offers to Extend Inspection by U.N. Team, Alan Cowell, NYTimes (via IAEA Daily Press Review)
Iran's foreign minister offered on Monday to extend a three-day visit to his country by United Nations inspectors in what seemed to be a further attempt to lower the strident tone of a crisis with the West over Tehran's nuclear program after the imposition of new economic sanctions.

* [Iran-US] Senators unveil tough penalties on Iran, Donna Cassata, AP (via IAEA Daily Press Review; also highlighted by Paulo's Corner)
Determined to weaken Iran economically, a top Senate Democrat and Republican on Monday unveiled a bill to impose sweeping new penalties on Tehran and thwart its nuclear ambitions.

* [Iran-IAEA] Iran Offers to Extend Inspection by U.N. Team, New York Times (a CSIS top story)

* [Iran-oil-China-Germany] Merkel to urge China to cut Iran oil imports: source, Reuters (via CSIS)

* [Iran-oil-India] India says it won't cut back on Iran oil imports, in defiance of stiffer US and EU sanctions, Washington Post (via CSIS)

* [Iran-sanctions] Iran sanctions "biting" in recent weeks: CIA chief, Tabassum Zakaria and Susan Cornwell, Reuters (via Paulo's Corner)

* [Iran-nuke-free mideast] U.N. Gen'l Assembly Head Says Committed to Nuke-Free Middle East Meeting, Global Security Newswire (via Paulo's Corner)

* [Iran-assassinations] IIPU condemns assassination of Iran nuclear scientists, IRNA (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-EU-talks] EU says ready for talks with Iran, Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-EU] EU leaders endorse sanctions against Iran, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-IAEA] Iran expresses optimism on IAEA inspection, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-IAEA] Iran says nuclear talks with IAEA 'constructive', BBC News (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-IAEA] IAEA to End Tehran Trip Amid Tensions Over Iran Nuclear Work, Ladane Nasseri, Bloomberg (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-IAEA] 'Iran to ban IAEA inspectors if they lie', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-IAEA] Iran, U.N. end "constructive" nuclear talks: FARS, Zahra Hosseinian and Parisa Hafezi, Reuters (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-Israel-US] Mossad chief held talks on Iran in US visit: CIA, AFP Google (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-Israel-US] Mossad chief makes secret visit to US, Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynetnews (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-Israel] 'Israel demonizes Iran to hide crimes', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-npp] Iran attends Nuclear Power Asia confab, Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-npp] Iran Parl. ratifies WANO membership bid, Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-sanctions-oil] Iran's Oil, Tanker Firms Targeted for Sanctions, Indira A.R. Lakshmanan, Bloomberg (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-wardrums-US] Iran and the US: from words to war, Richard Norton-Taylor, The Guardian blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-wardrums] Iran unveils smart laser-guided projectile, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran-wardrums] Disgraceful Reporting by the Boston Herald and Others, Michael S. Rozeff, Lew Rockwell blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [Iran] 'West fears Islamic thought, not nukes', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

see previous Iran-related news at nuclear.com's Iran page

KOREA NEWS

* [North Korea-Myanmar] Myanmar denies trying to obtain N.Korean nukes, AFP (a CSIS top story)

* [North Korea-South Korea-Russia] S. Korea envoy to discuss N. Korea with Russia, Channel News Asia (a CSIS top story)

* [North Korea-South Korea] Lee to visit Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, The Korea Times (via CSIS)

* [North Korea-South Korea-Russia] S. Korean nuclear envoy to visit Russia, Xinhua News (via Nevada ANP)

see previous North Korea-related news at nuclear.com's North Korea page

OTHER NUCLEAR WEAPON NEWS

* [n-weapons] How do states act after they get nuclear weapons?, James Fearon, The Monkey Cage (a CSIS top story)

* [n-weapons-US-triad] Pentagon Aims to Retain Aging Nuclear "Triad", Global Security Newswire (via CSIS)

* [n-weapons-India-China-Pakistan] India, China, Pak can show world a way to N-disarmament: Aiyar, Rediff News (via CSIS)

* [n-weapons-Mideast] Nuclear Free Middle East: Desirable, Necessary, and Impossible, Richard Faulk, Foreign Policy Journal (via CSIS)

* [n-weapons-n-material security] Recorded Incidents Regarding Nuclear Accident, Smuggling - Analysis, Muhammad Jawad Hashmi, EurasiaReview (via IAEA Daily Press Review)

* [n-weapons-radiation-Downwinders] Downwinders' exhibit in need of a home in Mohave County, Kingman Daily Miner (via Nevada ANP)

see previous nuclear weapons-related news at nuclear.com's main Nuclear weapons page

OTHER NUCLEAR NEWS

* [site-Yucca Mountain] House Yucca advocate won't target GOP candidates for opposing the waste dump, Andrew Restuccia, The Hill's E2-Wire blog (via NEI email; NEI's title is "Shimkus says he won't attack GOP hopefuls over Yucca Mountain")
Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., does not intend to criticize Republican presidential hopefuls including Mitt Romney and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, who have signaled their opposition to the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada. Shimkus, a supporter of the project, believes that a Republican president will be more capable of addressing issues surrounding the storage of the country's radioactive waste.

* [reprocessing-Japan] Furnace malfunction hobbles Aomori spent nuke fuel reprocessing plant, Mainichi (via @nirsnet, @Enenews), and Nevada ANP
NIRS tweeted it like this (with a #Fukushima hashtag): Malfunction at Japan's reprocessing facility throws future of reprocessing and plutonium fuel into question."
Enenews headline is "Malfunction at Japan MOX plant - Mystery black particles found - Throws future of Japan's nuclear cycle policy into doubt"

* [n-waste-spent fuel-Japan] JNFL to resume vitrification tests shortly / 1st tests in 3 years; outcome to have significant impact on policy regarding nuclear fuel cycle, Yuta Moriyama and Yohei Odakura, Yomiuri Shimbun

* [n-waste-UK] MoD experts to visit radioactive Dalgety Bay beach, BBC News (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-UK] Solution for radioactive Dalgety Bay beach 'no closer', BBC News (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-UK] Sepa to consult on waste for Dounreay store, BBC News (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-UK] More tests due on bay radioactivity, Press Association (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US-Blue Ribbon Commission] U.S. needs to heed report on nuclear waste issue, Editorials, Battle Creek Enquirer (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US-Blue Ribbon Commission] NRECA Backs New Nuclear Waste Plan, Steven Johnson, Electric Co-op Today (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US-Blue Ribbon Commission] Nuke waste panel steered clear of Nevada race, Steve Tetreault, Las Vegas Review-Journal blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US-spent fuel-research reactors] NOTICES Fee Policies: Revised Fee Policy for Acceptance of Foreign Research Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel From High-Income Economy Countries Pages 4807-4808 [FR DOC# 2012-2052], National Nuclear Security Administration (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US-spent fuel] More than one permanent US nuclear repository likely needed: Chu, Derek Sands, Platts (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US] Nuclear Waste Still Troubles Industry, Ken Silverstein, Energy Central (via Nevada ANP)

* [n-waste-US] DOE to Present Work on Generic Geologic Repository Criteria and Models at NWTRB March Meeting - (pdf-52K), NWTRB (via Nevada ANP)

* [org-NNSA] Additional Opportunities Exist to Streamline Support Functions at NNSA and Office of Science Sites, GAO-12-255, GAO (via Nevada ANP)

* [org-NRC] NOTICES Meetings: Sunshine Federal Register Notice Page 4839 [FR DOC# 2012-2182], Nuclear Regulatory Commission (via Nevada ANP)

* [radiation-scrap] IAEA plans code to track radioactive contamination in scrap: BIR, Platts (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Oak Ridge] Ed Westcott celebrates 90th, Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Oak Ridge] DOE to begin manager's search 'soon', Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Oak Ridge] GAO looks at NNSA/DOE support costs, Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Oak Ridge] Miss High Flux Isotope Reactor, Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel blog (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Oak Ridge] Ed Westcott, famed Oak Ridge photographer, turns 90, Frank Munger, Knoxville News Sentinel (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-WIPP] State denies permission for WIPP to use new shielded containers for more highly radiaoctive waste, John Fleck, Albuquerque Journal (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Yucca Mountain] Efforts to proceed with Yucca Mountain N-waste site, Gary R. Petersen, letter to Seattle Times (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Yucca Mountain] Campaign Memo to Newt: Nevada is Next, TRPChicago, Daily Kos (via Nevada ANP)

* [site-Yucca Mountain] Sins of commission on Yucca Mountain--Political infighting results in lost billions, Washington Times editorial (via Nevada ANP)

* [space-environment] U.S. Joins Effort to Clean Up Space Environment, Environment News Service (via Nevada ANP)

* [depleted uranium weapons] 'DU destroying Afghans' gene pool', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [depleted uranium weapons] 'World eternally contaminated by US DU', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [depleted uranium weapons] 'US destroys world with DU ammunition', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [depleted uranium weapons] 'US still using DU in Afghanistan', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

* [depleted uranium weapons] 'US DU weapons: high kill, low cost', Press TV (via Nevada ANP)

OTHER ENERGY NEWS

* [energy-Germany] Germany's green energy sector: can it grow without subsidies?, Michael Steininger, Christian Science Monitor (via IAEA Daily Press Review)
Generous subsidies for Germany's green energy sector have been so successful at fostering growth that the government is now asking if the industry can survive without them.

* [energy-Japan-wind] Wind power station planned in place of nuclear plant in Wakayama town, Mainichi Daily News (via Nevada ANP)

* [energy-US-DOE] DOE Responds to Complaints About Its Committment to Open Government, Alexis Madrigal, The Atlantic (via Nevada ANP)

* [energy-US] Secretary Chu Announces Second Round of "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" on One Year Anniversary of the White House Startup America Initiative, DOE (via Nevada ANP)

see previous energy-related news at nuclear.com's main Energy page