The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) submitted its request to Congress on Monday for a $1.032 billion budget for the 2016 fiscal year.
The proposal reflects a decrease of $27.3 million from the 2015 budget and includes a reduction of 140.8 full-time-equivalent employees. The reduction in New Reactors and Fuel Facilities staffing is possible through a reduction in workload productivity as the two programs merge.
The 2016 budget includes $793.4 million for nuclear reactor safety provisions and $226.7 million for nuclear materials and waste. The budget also includes an allocation for seismic and flooding re-evaluations designated in response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan.
“This budget reflects today’s realities and ushers in a new era in enhancing accountability within the NRC for the prudent use of resources,” NRC Chairman Stephen Burns said.
The inspector general’s office is asking for $12.1 million, which will include funding to provide services for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. In addition, the office will continue to independently conduct audits and investigations to safeguard the cost efficiency of NRC programs.
