PANDEMIC -- Zoom bombings, cancellations: Energy hearings in chaos

"Freedom of Speech," by Norman Rockwell, 1943As reported by E&E News. The article quotes Beyond Nuclear:

...[C]itizen groups, environmental advocates and some legislators are voicing concerns about their ability to be heard on projects including wind farms, pipelines and nuclear waste.

Proposals for two interim used-fuel storage facilities are pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which could approve the license applications as soon as next year.

Opponents have balked at the plans and said they pose safety risks. And a number of parties are asking for more time to vet a proposal in New Mexico — including through public meetings.

New Mexico's congressional delegation is calling for extending a 60-day public comment period on a draft environmental impact statement until it's safe to attend public meetings, noting that any decision on nuclear waste storage may have long-lasting consequences.

Beyond Nuclear, a frequent industry critic, is part of a coalition seeking a 199-day comment period and meetings in a number of states that could occur once it's safe to gather at public events. [See coalition press release, here.]

Kevin Kamps, a radioactive waste specialist with Beyond Nuclear, called in-person public meetings an "important American tradition."

"You know," he said, the "Norman Rockwell town hall meeting where people can look at each other in the eye and can say what they have to say. And it's called democracy."

For its part, Holtec International, the company proposing the New Mexico site, doesn't object to having the NRC consider more time for comments.

"Stakeholder participation is an important part of the regulatory approval process and Holtec welcomes continued feedback," spokesman Joe Delmar said in an email. "An extension is the NRC's prerogative and considering the current environment it seems appropriate for the NRC to give ample opportunity for public comment."