The prefectural assembly in Shimane Prefecture, which hosts a Chugoku Electric Power Co. nuclear power plant, has rejected an ordinance backed by more than 80,000 citizens calling for nuclear power to be phased out in the prefecture.
Critics say it is regrettable that the motion failed to generate extensive discussions among legislators about energy issues. The dominant view expressed by them was that the prefectural government should follow the state in energy issues.
The ordinance was sought by a civic group called the Prefectural Citizens' Liaison Committee on the Shimane Nuclear Power Station and Energy Issues.