"Exclusive: U.S. Nuclear Regulator a Policeman Or Salesman?"

"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission exists to police, not promote, the domestic nuclear industry -- but diplomatic cables show that it is sometimes used as a sales tool to help push American technology to foreign governments.

The cables, obtained by WikiLeaks and provided to Reuters by a third party, shed light on the way in which U.S. embassies have pulled in the NRC when lobbying for the purchase of equipment made by Westinghouse and other domestic manufacturers.

While the use of diplomats to further American commercial interests is nothing new, it is far less common for regulators to be acting in even the appearance of a commercial capacity, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest."

Ben Berkowitz and Roberta Rampton report for Reuters April 18, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversight called too lenient" (Hearst Connecticut Media Group/New England Center for Investigative Reporting)

"Studying Life in the Shadow of Nuclear Plants" (AFP)

"U.S. Is Increasing Nuclear Power Through Uprating" (Los Angeles Times)

"Nuclear Dead End: It's the Economics, Stupid" (Nation)

"Committee To Review Whether Proximity To Nuclear Power Plants Boosts Cancer Risk" (Wisconsin Public Radio)

"U.S. Nuclear Power Output Hits Lowest in 4 Years After Tornado" (Bloomberg)

"Entergy Corp. Sues To Keep Vermont Yankee Open" (Business Week)

"Vermont Governor: Entergy 'Must Follow Our Laws,' Shut Nuclear Plant" (Dow Jones)