Beshear intercedes on behalf of Paducah plant

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has joined with members of the Commonwealth's congressional delegation to press the US Department of Energy to offer a plan for the future of Paducah's government-owned nuclear enrichment plant.  The plant could cease operations later this year, eliminating about 1,200 jobs.  Beshear sent a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu Monday, saying lack of action by the DOE is putting a major economic engine in western Kentucky at risk.  Beshear's letter came days after Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and Representative Ed Whitfield called on Chu and the Obama administration to allow the to plant re-enrich its leftover uranium so it can be sold on the market.