A couple of differences. If a coal plant blows up it doesn’t put a bunch cesium in the atmosphere and on the ground.
Secondly, there have been significant advances in design of nuclear plants in the last 50 years. Any 40 yr old plant was certainly designed years before construction.
“A couple of differences. If a coal plant blows up it doesn’t put a bunch cesium in the atmosphere and on the ground.”
That’s true.
What is also true is with the current attitude about nuclear power, it will be tougher to build the new designs in this country. That means as long as the management complies with NRC rules and regulations, extensions beyond 40 years will be granted.