The North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction Network (NC WARN) filed a legal challenge against plans by Progress Energy to construct two new nuclear reactors in Wake County Monday. According to an NC WARN press release, the challenge cites design and safety problems, says cost estimates are inaccurate and could lead to higher energy prices and that new reactors would release too much greenhouse gas.

The challenge was filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which allows 60 days for intervention on new nuclear plans. NC WARN director Jim Warren said that his and other agencies expect to find more problems with more time. The legal motion and a summary are both available at www.ncwarn.org.