Federal authorities on Thursday assured both of Arizona’s senators that all necessary steps were being taken to protect the security of the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, following a report that it might be the target of a planned terrorist attack. Department of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that several federal agencies were coordinating their efforts under the direction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure that everything ossible is done to protect Arizona’s citizens. Abraham also expressed confidence in the government’s ability to effectively respond to any threats to this facility. The Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, which is located 50 miles west of Phoenix in Tonopah, Ariz., has three reactors that produced 30 billion kilowatt hours of electricity last year. “During this time of heightened alert it is imperative that the federal government take all actions available to maintain the security of the Palo Verde Plant,” McCain said. Full Story