Japan asks U.S. for help on nuclear plant response

Market Watch: Japan asks U.S. for help on nuclear plant response
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Japan has officially asked for help from the United States as it attempts to cool down nuclear power plants affected by an earthquake and a tsunami which struck the country Friday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday. "As part of a larger U.S. government response, the NRC is considering possible replies to the request, which includes providing technical advice," NRC said. The commission is monitoring the events in Japan around the clock but declined to comment further on developments at the site. Two boiling-water reactor experts from the NRC are already in Japan to provide technical assistance, it said.