Trenton, NJ - Leading local and state advocates are criticizing the Oyster Creek nuclear plant decision NJDEP announced at noon today.

"With ongoing safety concerns at Oyster Creek, it is imperative that the independent safety panel begin work and consult with citizens immediately. We will work with the panel, however, it is extremely disappointing to see that, with all due respect to Dr. Cohen's stellar academic credentials, he lacks practical experience with boiling water reactors and the unique safety issues involved with their design. It's like asking a spine surgeon to do brain surgery. Both are highly trained, but in different fields," said Brick Township resident Janet Tauro of GRAMMES (Grandmothers, Mothers and More for Energy Safety).

"Oyster Creek needs a strong, independent, expert review of its weak spots. This Panel, comprised of the heads of DEP and DHS, and a 3rd public member, were to fill that role, especially the public member, that's what we and the Administration agreed to. And while Mr. Cohen has impressive nuclear fusion expertise, he doesn't have the practical or nuclear fission expertise required here. That said the Panel can still fulfill this mission by seeking appropriate outside counsel as we've advised," added David Pringle of the NJ Environmental Federation.

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_{NJ Environmental Federation, the NJ Chapter of Clean Water Action, is an organization of 100,000 members and 100 member groups working to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. For over 35 years, NJ Environmental Federation and Clean Water Action have succeeded in winning some of the nation's most important environmental protections through grassroots organizing, expert policy research and political advocacy focused on holding elected officials accountable to the public. www.cleanwateraction.org/njef}