Metropolitan Edison Co. v. People Against Nuclear Energy

Metropolitan Edison Co. v. People Against Nuclear Energy

Argued March 1, 1983
Decided April 19, 1983
Full case name Metropolitan Edison Co. v. People Against Nuclear Energy, et al.
Citations

460 U.S. 766 (more)

103 S. Ct. 1556; 75 L. Ed. 2d 534; 1983 U.S. LEXIS 21; 51 U.S.L.W. 4371; 18 ERC (BNA) 1985; 52 P.U.R.4th 189; 13 ELR 20515
Prior history Summary judgment for defendants, 436 F. Supp. 2d 132 (Me. 2006); reversed, 501 F.3d 29 (1st Cir. 2007); cert. granted, 552 U.S. ___ (2008)
Holding
The Court ruled that the NRC did not act improperly in not considering the conditions of PANE.
Court membership
Chief Justice
Warren E. Burger
Case opinions
Majority Rehnquist, joined by unanimous
Concurrence Brennan
Laws applied
National Environmental Policy Act

Metropolitan Edison Co. v. People Against Nuclear Energy, 460 U.S. 766 (1983), was a case decided by the United States Supreme Court.

Background

After the meltdown of reactor number 2 at Three Mile Island, The People Against Nuclear Energy (PANE) contended that restarting reactor number 1 would cause severe psychological trauma to residents of nearby towns. They filed a suit in the court of appeals, citing National Environmental Policy Act protections of the natural environment. The court agreed.

Issue

Whether there are situations in which an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act must consider the effects of a proposed action on psychological health.

Holding

The Court ruled that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission did not act improperly in not considering the conditions of PANE.

Reasoning

In considering such concerns as warm water released into the Susquehanna River, and the release of low level radiation, the NRC acted properly in considering environmental risks.

Concurrence

Justice Brennan filed a concurring opinion.

See also

References

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