Key Issues
Operational Safety
Stringent federal regulation, automated, redundant safety systems and the industry’s commitment to comprehensive safety procedures keep nuclear power plants and their communities safe.
Federal and Industry Oversight of Plant Operations
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the commercial and institutional uses of nuclear energy, including nuclear power plants. The NRC monitors plant performance according to three strategic areas: reactor safety, radiation safety and security. Independent NRC inspectors at each plant provide oversight of plant operation, maintenance, equipment replacement and training. The NRC posts all performance results on its Web site .Two industry organizations also play a significant role in fostering safe, efficient nuclear power plant operation:
World Association of Nuclear Operators
The nuclear industry tracks its performance through a series of indicators. Each year, the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) collects information on the performance of nuclear plants in the United States as well as other countries. WANO consolidates the best practices and operating experience of nuclear plants worldwide to enhance the safety and reliability of operating nuclear plants. See WANO 2008 Performance Indicators for the United States.
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) sets performance objectives, criteria, and guidelines industrywide for overall nuclear plant operations, and conducts regular evaluations of nuclear plants as well as events analysis.
INPO began monitoring performance indicators in 1981 and formed the National Academy for Nuclear Training in 1985 to accredit nuclear utilities’ training programs for plant operators and supervisors of operations.
Radiation Safety
Nuclear power plants emit negligible amounts of radiation during routine operation. Plants monitor these releases under the strict oversight of the NRC and state government agencies. The NRC also sets standards to ensure the safety of workers at facilities that use radioactive materials. The agency provides extensive information on radiation protection on its Web site .The NRC, the Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Energy and Transportation are the principal federal agencies responsible for establishing radiation protection regulations. These regulations are based on internationally recognized scientific studies. For a broad discussion of radiation issues, see EPA's Web section on radiation protection .
