Nuclear Regulatory Commission

United States government agency

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency of the United States government tasked with overseeing and regulating the civilian use of nuclear energy to ensure the protection of public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment. The NRC was established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and began operations on January 19, 1975.

History

The NRC was created as a successor to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), which was established in 1946. The AEC was responsible for both the development and regulation of nuclear energy. However, in the early 1970s, concerns about the potential conflicts of interest between these two roles led to the reorganization of the AEC into two separate entities: the NRC, which would handle regulatory functions, and the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), which would manage nuclear energy development. ERDA was later incorporated into the United States Department of Energy.

Responsibilities

The NRC's primary responsibilities include:

• Licensing and regulating the operation of nuclear reactors used for commercial electricity generation.
• Overseeing the use of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, and academic settings.
• Ensuring the safe management and disposal of nuclear waste.
• Conducting inspections and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Evaluating and approving the design and construction of new nuclear facilities.
• Responding to nuclear emergencies and coordinating with other federal, state, and local agencies.

Organization

The NRC is headed by a five-member commission, with each member appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. One of the commissioners is designated by the President to serve as the Chairman and official spokesperson of the NRC. The commission is supported by a staff of technical and administrative personnel.

The NRC is organized into several offices and regions, including:

• Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)
• Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS)
• Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES)
• Office of Enforcement (OE)
• Four regional offices located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Lisle, Illinois; and Arlington, Texas.

Key Legislation

The NRC operates under several key pieces of legislation, including:

• Atomic Energy Act of 1954
• Energy Reorganization Act of 1974
• Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
• Energy Policy Act of 2005

See also

• Nuclear power in the United States
• Nuclear safety
• Nuclear energy policy of the United States
• List of nuclear reactors