A prioritization process for regulating nuclear power plant activity that has been proposed by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has support from nuclear industry executives and others, the organization announced Thursday.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff also support the proposal and say it should be fully endorsed by the NRC as a whole.
The process focuses on issues and activities that pose a greater significance to the safety of operators and the public. This approach would allow the NRC to focus its resources on areas that are most needed, according to the NEI report.
“We’d like to see more definition on that part of the proposal and, if the commission approves it, we hope it identifies its expectations for the panel and the role its decisions will play in the NRC’s regulatory decision-making process,” NEI Senior Director John Butler said. “The use of expert panels is key to the prioritization process, allowing a wide range of expertise to be brought to bear in an integrated fashion. This will allow the quick identification of key factors important to safety and clear decision-making on overall importance and priority. The NRC proposal, if approved, will support the efficient and safety-focused use of NRC and industry resources.”
NRC staff also stated an expert panel should be formed to determine emerging issues related to nuclear regulation.
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