Thinking about it

October 29, 2013

Govt. to study paying part of decontamination cost

      http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131029_37.html

A Japanese Cabinet minister has suggested the government should bear part of the costs for clearing radioactive substances from the area around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The central and local governments are currently conducting decontamination work and charging the costs to the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company.

But TEPCO has asked the government to cover some of the massive expenses. Government and governing party officials are discussing the utility's request.

On Tuesday, industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters that accelerating the cleanup work is crucial for early recovery of Fukushima Prefecture.

He said the government wants to study the matter from a comprehensive point of view, although there is a financial problem.

Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters it is unfair to focus blame for the 2011 accident at the plant solely on TEPCO when the government has long promoted nuclear energy as a national policy.

He added that the government should discuss with the governing Liberal Democrat Party who should bear the decontamination costs, and how much.

Oct. 29, 2013 - Updated 08:46 UTC