South Korea fisheries sue Japan over plans to release radioactive water into sea
A group of South Korean fisheries
South Korea fisheries sue Japan over plans to release radioactive water into sea
A group of South Korean fisheries
Fukushima Radioactive Water Discharge Case: A Vehement Violation of International Laws?
With the recent announcement that it shall be soon initiating a massive release of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean over a course of two years, Japan has stirred a global debate. The decision has been criticized for posing a direct threat to the human life and marine [...]
Japan court blocks reopening of remodeled aging nuclear power plant
The Mito District Court ruled Thursday that Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) cannot reactivate its idled Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture. The No. 2 unit has been idled since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which also heavily damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Complex. The Tokai station originally contained two reactors, [...]
Japan court orders payment of damages to Fukushima nuclear accident victims
The Sendai High Court has ordered the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant, to pay 1 billion yen ($9.5 million) in damages to victims of the 2011 disaster. Affirming the decision and rationale of a Fukushima district court, the Sendai High Court made its decision Wednesday [...]
Federal appeals court upholds dismissal of Fukushima nuclear disaster claims
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Friday rejected an appeal brought by US servicemembers seeking damages for alleged radiation exposure from the March 2011 nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in California, aims to hold both Tokyo Electric Power [...]
Nevsun Resources Ltd. V. Araya Requires Rethinking Alternate Frameworks for Accountability of TNC's
The recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada in Nevsun Resources Ltd. v. Araya, allowed for a claim to be filed against a Canadian company for human rights violations and breaches of customary international law (CIL) abroad. The legal development realized corporate liability for human rights violations, which is necessary given that human rights [...]
Federal appeals court dismisses case against GE over Fukushima nuclear disaster
The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit by numerous Japanese individuals and business who hoped to sue General Electric (GE) over its role in building and maintaining the reactors that exploded in the 2011 disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. The Japanese plaintiffs had [...]
Nuclear Regulatory Commission adopts watered down nuclear plant safety regulations
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Thursday approved new rules that addresses nuclear power plant safety. The proposed regulations will apply to both power reactor applicants as well as currently operating licensee plants. Nuclear power plants are required to comply with the new rule within two years and 30 days following its adoption in the Federal [...]
Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act signed into law
US President Donald Trump signed the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act into law Monday, intended to encourage innovation in advanced nuclear power plant designs. The act requires several changes to the licensing process for nuclear reactors. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will have 270 days to develop and implement a staged licensing process for [...]
UN rights expert urges Japan to slow return of citizens to Fukushima
A UN human rights expert on Thursday urged the Japanese government to delay the relocation of evacuees from the Fukushima Disaster back to their homes over concerns about ongoing toxic waste. “Many feel they are being forced to return to areas that are unsafe, including those with radiation levels above what the Government previously considered [...]