At this year’s Regulatory Information Conference hosted by the NRC, I heard several Commissioners state - in various formulations - that they believed in the importance of nuclear energy in the battle against climate change. They also acknowledged that their stated safety standard is “reasonable assurance of adequate protection” in the context of not demanding increased “safety” performance.
It remains to be seen if these words will produce change, but it’s a necessary step.
Bureaucracies are masters at reading the political winds. The NRC will make the right noises and maybe bend just enough to prevent any real change. Stagnation will continue.
Breakthrough Institute has great recent writings on how NRC is still setting ridiculous standards for nuclear. Despite Congress passing laws to reform the NRC. At a minimum, their mandate needs to change, imo.
.....power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.....
At this year’s Regulatory Information Conference hosted by the NRC, I heard several Commissioners state - in various formulations - that they believed in the importance of nuclear energy in the battle against climate change. They also acknowledged that their stated safety standard is “reasonable assurance of adequate protection” in the context of not demanding increased “safety” performance.
It remains to be seen if these words will produce change, but it’s a necessary step.
Rod,
Incrementalism will not work.
Bureaucracies are masters at reading the political winds. The NRC will make the right noises and maybe bend just enough to prevent any real change. Stagnation will continue.
Breakthrough Institute has great recent writings on how NRC is still setting ridiculous standards for nuclear. Despite Congress passing laws to reform the NRC. At a minimum, their mandate needs to change, imo.
Isn't conflict of interest just another way to spin "checks and balances"?
Absolutely right here. It infuriates me how policymakers have set up nuclear regulators. It's so obvious that a change needs to be made in the US.
Jack, I’ve really enjoyed your writing. Is there an option to buy or obtain your Tankship Tromedy book without buying a $200 used copy?
Thanks,
Austin