A strong, efficient and effective regulator will enable our greatest source of carbon-free electricity to continue protecting the climate. It’s time to revisit regulations and remove roadblocks to improve and streamline the operations of our nuclear plants. With smart regulations, we can remove barriers to innovation and implement newer, even safer nuclear technology that lays the groundwork for a carbon-free future.
Improving Regulations While Maintaining High Standards
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission exists to ensure that our nuclear energy industry upholds only the highest safety standards. Other countries look to the U.S. as the leader in nuclear operations because we have the safest nuclear power sector in the world. However, some regulations have become obsolete or are cumbersome, and new technology that could dramatically improve safety stays mired in antiquated processes.
The agency updated its oversight approach in the mid-1990s, which demonstrably improved industry and regulatory efficiency. However, the nuclear energy industry has evolved since then, and regulations need to evolve as well.
Let’s Promote Safety-Focused Decisions
Streamlining regulations does not mean compromising on safety. On the contrary: smarter regulations can help nuclear plant owners and operators allocate time and resources to areas that most impact safety.
Risk-informed analyses provide decision-makers with a more complete picture directing their focus on areas that provide the greatest safety benefit. More fully embracing risk-informed regulation will enable the regulator to become more effective in ensuring public health and safety.
Accident Tolerant Fuel
Newly designed accident tolerant fuel provides operators with added flexibility which dramatically improves reactor safety—but not until the NRC finalizes its licensing process.
Used Nuclear Fuel
Electricity consumers have paid $40 billion and waited 35 years for the U.S. government to find permanent storage for used nuclear fuel. It’s time to act—and we have a plan.