nrc

courtesy NRC

"On reflection, I can’t help but be reminded of the important role the NRC performs for the nation; the work we have underway to further enhance reactor safety; and the renewed importance of ensuring no accident like this happens in the United States. I want to be sure that we continue to take the steps necessary to be certain that communities surrounding nuclear reactors are protected and that we’ve done all we can as regulators to prevent and mitigate severe accidents that displace people and contaminate land."[read more]

The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, supplier of 73% of Vermont's emission-free electricity (and approximately one-third of the state's total electricity), won its day in federal court today, thus granting it the right to keep the doors open and the lights on (for the rest of the state). Vermont resident Meredith Angwin has been...[read more]

Yesterday the Environmental Protection Agency released its tabulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from large facilities in the US. In perusing the data I couldn't help thinking of the quote attributed to Willie Sutton concerning why he robbed banks. Even if he never actually said, "Because that's where the money is," the simple logic of...[read more]

Concrete cracks in the containment structure aren't the reason for anti-nuclear fervor by Rep. Dennis Kucinich U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-OHThe ongoing saga of anti-nuclear opposition to the continued operation of FirstEnergy's (NYSE:FE) Davis-Besse nuclear reactor located on the shores of Lake Erie is linked to a gift to voters...[read more]

My professional work habits and standards were formed by 33 years in the US naval service, an organization with a proud tradition of developing independent decision makers who could be entrusted with billions of dollars worth of national assets and thousands of lives. Our tradition includes demanding training, strong mentoring programs,...[read more]

Four commissioners write to the House Oversight Committee blaming Chairman Gregory Jaczko about a toxic atmosphereUpdate: 12/13/11: White House issues apology from JaczkoNext Wednesday December 14 the House Oversight Committee will hold a very unusual hearing in which four NRC Commissioners will air their complaints about NRC...[read more]

In an end of year meeting with reporters the Chairman explains what the agency plans to do next year(Note to readers - this blog post has been updated to indicate the budget being discussed is the FY 2012 federal budget which began 10/01/11)NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko sat down with reporters from the mainstream media and the major wire...[read more]

On November 3, 2011, Thalia Assuras of EnergyNow conducted an extended interview with NRC Chairman Greg Jaczko regarding Yucca Mountain, used fuel storage, the lengthening process of getting a license from the NRC, the reasons why nuclear license applicants are getting discouraged, and the possibility that the courts might direct the NRC...[read more]

Image credit: Idaho Samizdat ~ http://djysrv.blogspot.com

A safety evaluation review and decision are expected in November The NRC's review of the effects of the August 23 earthquake on Dominion's North Anna power station is coming to a logical and reasonable close. The agency says the staff is writing a safety evaluation review that could result in a re-start decision letter by mid-November.At...[read more]

The project is set to begin work before the snow flies on the Arco desert The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the license for Areva’s $2.4 billion uranium enrichment plant on October 12. The action by the federal agency will allow the firm to ink the final term sheet of its $2 billion federal loan guarantee with the U.S....[read more]

We had over 50 people register for the webinar and over 40 of them were still with us at the 90 minute mark. Another 15 people listened in on an 800 phone line.Jaczko and I sat at at the corner of a table to facilitate the video angle (1 camera). The NRC will post a video and podcast of the session on its webiste.[read more]

Editor: This is an amazing opportunity that I hope all TEC members take advantage of. There will be a second NRC webinar on the 6th with anti-nuclear groups.Free online and unscripted webinar with NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko Tuesday October 4 11 AM-12Noon Eastern time Focus Will Be Policy Issues, Broad Regulatory and Safety Objectives...[read more]

A combined construction operating license for Southern’s twin AP1000s is expected by early 2012 A major licensing milestone has been met by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Southern's Vogtle site.  The NRC has has completed its Final Safety Evaluation Report (FSER) for the proposed Vogtle Units 3 and 4 reactors. The...[read more]

During the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on August 2, 2011, Senator Lamar Alexander invested his five minutes of question time wisely by engaging Chairman Jaczko in an important philosophical discussion; does the mission of the NRC to protect public health and safety include a mission to enable the construction of...[read more]

Life in the post-Fukushima era for nuclear regulatory agencies in Japan and the United States is not easy. In Japan, the Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) is in hot water over revelations that it stacked the deck at public meetings with employees of the nuclear utilities it is supposed to regulate. Two utilities told the...[read more]