Nuclear Industry and Its Regulators: A New Compact Is Needed.

摘要

The problem of the lack of integration in the nuclear power decision-making process in the United States is the subject of the study. The three institutions with the greatest influence on commercial nuclear power generation include the utilities, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the state public utility commissions (PUCs). The diverse objectives of the three institutions are difficult to satisfy without producing conflict. This has contributed to inefficiences and delays in nuclear plant construction and operation, gaps in quality assurance, and may also result in compromises to public health and safety. The report reviews the perspectives of each of these institutions and provides recommendations for improvements. Particular emphasis is given to recommendations that NRC might consider to help alleviate the potential for adverse impacts on public health and safety resulting from a disaggregated nuclear power decision-making process.