State environment ministers vote to permanently shut down Germany's 7 oldest atomic reactors!

As reported by the New York Times, the ultimate decision now rests with Chancellor Angela Merkel and her cabinet, on June 6th. Germany's 7 oldest reactors were shut down as a precaution after the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe began. Merkel's Conservative Party has suffered electoral defeats in state elections to the Green Party, a direct result of popular concern about radioactive risks, and decades of anti-nuclear organizing in Germany.

Switzerland follows Germany in nuclear phaseout

From Reuters: "The Swiss government decided on Wednesday to phase out nuclear power by 2034 after the Japan disaster shook public confidence in the industry, but said it will not shut any existing power plants prematurely.

The Swiss government suspended the approvals process for three new nuclear power stations in March pending a review into safety after the disaster at Japan's Fukushima plant.

Last weekend 20,000 people rallied against nuclear power -- the largest demonstration of its kind since the 1980s."

Areva stops construction of nuclear component plant

Citing unfavorable market conditions, Areva announced that it will indefinitely suspend construction of the Areva Newport News manufacturing facility. The plant was to supply heavy parts like reactor vessels and steam generators for Areva’s U.S. EPR reactor.