On Tue, 5 Aug 2008 09:39:33 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:

The new procedure changes that. A permit to operate is issued up front
.... contingent upon successful compliance with all inspections conducted
during the design and build phase. As long as the plant meets the approved
design and build conditions, a license to operate is already approved.

This may help get new plants off the dime.

I hope so. The scenario you describe is exactly what happened to the
New Shoreham nuclear plant on Long Island. After 4 or 5 billion
dollars and 10+ years of construction, then Governor Cumo caved to the
enviro-nutz and the reactors were scrapped.