DailyMail | Dangerous radioactive leaks and cracked foundations go unpunished at American nuclear power plants. Safety has taken a back seat to cost-cutting at most of the nation's nuclear power plants, sparking fears that America could be facing its own Fukushima disaster.An investigation by the Associated Press has revealed federal regulators are repeatedly weakening - or simply failing to impose - strict rules.
Officials at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have frequently decided that original regulations were too strict, arguing that safety margins could be eased without peril.
The constant danger of aging reactors operating without the highest standards has resulted in rising fears the NRC is significantly undermining safety.Such negligence is destined to to bring the plants closer to a catastrophic accident that could harm millions and jeopardize the future of nuclear power in the U.S.
Examples abound.
When valves leaked, more leakage was allowed — up to 20 times the original limit.
When rampant cracking caused radioactive leaks from steam generator tubing, an easier test of the tubes was devised, so plants could meet standards.
