Judge Rejects S.C. Attempt to Fine Feds Over Nuke Project

A federal judge has put a stop to South Carolina's pursuit of $100 million in fines the state says it's owed by the federal government over an unfinished plutonium processing project.

U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Court of Federal Claims is the proper forum for the state's money demands. Other aspects of the state's lawsuit continue in her court, and she gave both sides until July 7 to mediate their dispute.

The unfinished mixed-oxide fuel facility in South Carolina is intended to turn weapons-grade plutonium into nuclear reactor fuel. The state wants the federal government to keep its promise to pay $1 million in fines per day if the plant wasn't up and running more than a year ago.