USEC says Paducah, Portsmouth plants safe
September 16, 1998 03:03 PM
BETHESDA, Md., Sept 16 (Reuters) - Responding to a request for a Justice Department probe into safety problems at two of its uranium plants, USEC Inc. USU said Wednesday it has been making changes at the plants.
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader and two watchdog groups on Tuesday wrote to Attorney General Janet Reno, asking for a probe into the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) handling of information prior to the July 23 sale to the public of the government's uranium enrichment operations, also known as USEC.
The initial public offering of stock raised $1.425 billion.
In a statement, USEC said "the Paducah and Portsmouth plants leased by USEC from the Department of Energy are safely operated and must achieve compliance with regulations" of the NRC.
It also said it has previously disclosed that it has been making changes in the plants to achieve full NRC compliance.
USEC said its registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission related to the sale of the company to the public contained "extensive disclosure" about its operations, including "full disclosure regarding NRC's extensive regulations of USEC."
In his letter, Nader had said the NRC failed to disclose safety information to USEC workers, investors, and the general public.
Shares of USEC were off 1-5/16 at 14-9/16. ((--Holly Rosenkrantz, Wall Street Desk, 212-859-1727)) REUTERS |
