This copy is for personal, non-commercial use. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution you can: 1) Use the "Reprint" button found on the top and bottom of every article, 2) Visit reprints.theygsgroup.com/dailyherald.asp for samples and additional information or 3) Order a reprint of this article now.
German parliament approves nuclear shutdown
BERLIN — German lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved the government’s plan for the country to shut down all its nuclear power plants by the end of 2022.
Parliament’s lower house voted 513-79, with eight abstentions, for the shutdown plan in Europe’s biggest economy. Most of the opposition voted in favor.
Thursday’s decision sets Germany on the road to an ambitious build-up of renewable energy.
Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen tells lawmakers: “This will be good for our country, because we all stand together. So let’s get to work.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government performed an about-face after Japan’s Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant was ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami in March.
Only last year, it had decided to extend the life span of Germany’s 17 nuclear reactors.
Copyright © 2013 Paddock Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.