Japan Clean Energy Bill May Falter on Lawmaker Ties to Utilities

Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s plan to shift Japan toward renewable energy following the Fukushima nuclear accident faces resistance from politicians compromised by close ties to utility companies, an opposition lawmaker said.

Kan has pledged to reduce reliance on nuclear power after an earthquake and tsunami in March wrecked Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear station, causing radiation leaks into the air, sea and soil.