WASHINGTON - The three-judge Atomic Safety and Licensing Board panel handling the Indian Point license renewal proceeding has ruled that a number of area governmental entities may participate in the renewal process.

The agency authorized the State of Connecticut, Westchester County, the Town of Cortlandt, the Village of Buchanan and the City of New York through its Economic Development Corporation to participate in the proceeding as "interested governmental bodies."

That means these governmental entities will have a seat at the table during the proceeding, including an evidentiary hearing, if one takes place.

The board deffered decision on whether the proceeding should be handled as a traditional type of hearing with the taking of depositions, or more involved with a great deal of the exchange of information occurring via written submittals to the judges.