The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has downgraded a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan following an investigation of two incidents last year that raised safety concerns.
The commission notified the Palisades plant Tuesday of its decision.
The agency groups nuclear plants into one of five regulatory columns, depending on their performance. Palisades will join two others in the third category: the Perry Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 1 generator near Cleveland and the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 1 generator in Berwick, Pa.
The only reactor that ranks lower is Browns Ferry Unit 1 near Athens, Ala.
Palisades spokesman Mark Savage says violations that caused the commission investigation involved equipment or maintenance. He says the plant is operating safely.
Palisades is owned by New Orleans-based Entergy Corp.
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