Entergy: Vt. should butt out of generator review

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- Entergy Corp., owner of the Vermont Nuclear power plant, is trying to limit the state's regulatory authority over the Vernon reactor — this time over a new diesel-fired backup generator the plant intends to install.

Entergy argued Tuesday in federal court that the generator needs to be installed by September to meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations. Company lawyers say they've asked for the state Public Service Board's OK, but add that the board has been dragging its feet.

Now Entergy is asking for a ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss ("Rice") saying federal law pre-empts the state from having any say in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Board continues to review the matter.

Lawyers for the state say Entergy is exaggerating how fast the board needs to rule.