Overview of the U.S.

Nuclear Safety Regulation Landscape

Congress White House The White House signals policy focus through leadership nominations, funding recommendations and legislation.

Understanding key U.S. nuclear organizations and how they interact.

Congress conrms White House nominations, funding recommendations, and supervises the regulatory system. It has the same inuence as the White House.

Department of Energy (DoE) The Oce of Nuclear Energy funds basic and applied research on nuclear technologies. Some funding ows to universities, but most ows to National Labs.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) The NRC is an independent federal agency that oversees nuclear safety regulation on all civil nuclear projects.

National Labs National Labs conduct nuclear technology research. Some are closely aliated to government while others are closely aliated to universities.

Advocacy, Watchdog Groups Advocacy groups such as Nuclear Energy Institute and Federation of American Scientists inuence policy through public outreach and lobbying. Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) INPO is a private advisory group composed of industry members, which sets guidelines for power plant operations and conducts performance inspections. Universities Universities launch research and development contracts related to new technology and improved safety inspections.
Who they are:
Government Industry & Interest Groups Research Institutions

How they work together:

Advocacy
A empting to inuence policy

Funding

Collaboration

Designating budget levels or providing funds or grants

Exchanging ideas including reports, recommendations, and research

Nominations

Selecting and appointing key leadership positions

Read more about the U.S. nuclear safety regulation landscape and how it can serve as a model for other nations on ForumonEnergy.com
Sources: CRS report - R42853 Nuclear Energy: Overview of Congressional Issues by Mark Holt | Interview with John Tuck, former Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, 5/7/13.

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