UNITED STATES - Gov't to boost reactor safety

WASHINGTON (AP):

The Obama administration's most vocal advocate for nuclear power said yesterday that the nuclear disaster unfolding in Japan will eventually help the United States strengthen safety at its 104 reactors.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu told a House panel that "the American people should have full confidence that the United States has rigorous safety regulations in place to ensure that our nuclear power is generated safely and responsibly". But he said that the administration "is committed to learning from Japan's experience".

Chu said the initial step is to help the Japanese government cool down the damaged reactors and to stop the leaking radiation.