A 38-year-old nuclear power plant in southern Vermont is under intense scrutiny as it seeks permission to operate for another two decades past its scheduled shutdown date.

Vermont is the only state in the country that gives its lawmakers the final say on whether a nuclear plant gets a new license. Recent radiation leaks - and news that plant officials may have misled state officials - have put the plant's future in doubt.

As part of a collaboration with Northeast stations, John Dillon of Vermont Public Radio reports.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Northeast Environmental coverage is part of NPR's Local News Initiative, and is made possible, in part, by a grant from United Technologies.