Falling energy prices could force closure of Three Mile Island

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Photo by Raymond Shobe

Thirty-eight years ago, one of two nuclear reactors at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania suffered a partial meltdown and had to shut down.  It was the worst accident of its kind in American history, with "significant" releases of radiation -- but no extensive health affects -- according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. That reactor was shut down, and now the second may have to close — 15 years before it's due for a license renewal.  Christina Simeone is director of policy and external affairs at the University of Pennsylvania's Kleinman Energy Policy Center