Both Makino and Miura had indicated their acceptance of restarting the Tomari Nuclear Power Plants (3PWRs, 2070MWe total), owned and operated by the Hokkaido Electric Power Co. There were no significant differences in their positions on depopulation countermeasures using grants related to nuclear power plants, as well as on the fixed-assets tax imposed on Hokkaido Electric Power or other resources.

At an examination meeting last month, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) approved standard ground motion (Ss, or standard tremors from an earthquake used for aseismic design). The focus of the effort to restart the Tomari NPPs will next shift to obtaining agreement from the local municipality. The reelected Mayor Makino will play a leading role in the final decision whether the village will agree or not.