As reported by the New York Times, Germany's state environment ministers have voted to shut down Germany's 7 oldest atomic reactors. The ultimate decision now rests with Chancellor Angela Merkel and her cabinet, on June 6th. Germany's 7 oldest reactors were shut down as a precaution after the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe began. Merkel's Conservative Party has suffered electoral defeats in state elections to the Green Party, a direct result of popular concern about radioactive risks, and decades of anti-nuclear organizing in Germany. Already a world leader in wind and solar PV power, as well as energy efficiency, these sectors could be boosted even more by a permanent shut down of Germany's 7 oldest atomic reactors. The Green Party of Germany is calling for complete nuclear phaseout early in the next decade.