"new generation" nuclear plants???

[Diane Monaco]

Huh?  Nuclear power plant construction hasn't been approved by the NRC 
since 1979.  Why start now?  As far as I know, it's IMPOSSIBLE to operate a 
nuclear plant without releasing radioactivity -- during normal operation, 
that is, not just accidents. It seems, however, that plans are underway in 
2003 for a "new generation" and "advanced" kind of nuclear power plant 
construction proposed by Dominion Energy, Entergy Nuclear,  and Exelon in 
possibly Illinois, Virginia, and Mississippi.

What's so "new generation" about it?   Does anyone have any 
information?  Radiation?  Health and environmental risks?

Many thanks in advance,
Diane