A new bill introduced by one local lawmaker is gaining some ground Monday and renewing the call to conduct an independent safety study at Indian Point.

Congressman John Hall (D-Goshen) has proposed a bill that would tie Indian Point's re-licensing to the independent safety study, making it different from other legislation. Hall says the new legislation goes beyond the previous version by stating that if the recommendations outlined in the independent study are not followed then the plant will not be granted re-licensing.

Recent safety problems at Indian Point have sparked federal lawmakers to get tough on issues surrounding the plant. Jim Steets, the spokesman for Entergy, says the company welcomes an independent safety study. He adds that the plant will undergo a strict assessment even without the study because of the company's effort to get re-licensing.

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