No, there isn't any kind of conspiracy here. This is more of a formality. The AP1000 is an uprated version of the AP600, which received its NRC Design Certification in 1999. China has its own certification/approval process.
The real time limiting factor is coming from potential buyers. There is a consortium (NuStart) of nine utilities working with the DOE to test the NRC's process for obtaining a Construction and Operating License (COL) for new plants. NuStart intends to submit a COL application in 2008, and expects the NRC to decide in 2010. Once the COL is obtained, then plants can be built.
The greenies don't have to go crazy until 2008.
That's what drives me crazy. Spending all that time and money just pushing paper around on a technology that's existed for 50 years. Ok, it's advanced a bit. But the science is the same.
From 1940 to 1944, US high tech went from a B-17 bomber with guys firing guns out open windows at -20 degrees. To a pressurized bomber with a half dozen CRT displays, analog computers to electricly track guns and compute bullet drop and windage, radar targeting, electronic counter measures, I could go on and on. But now, we've got to wait 4 years just to complete the application paperwork, and another 2 years thinking about it just to get permission.
Sheesh.