ML19276F255

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In Response to ,Extends Support in Implementing Recommendation 78-4 of Administrative Conference of Us,Re Use of Voluntary Concensus Stds in Federal Regulatory Stds
ML19276F255
Person / Time
Issue date: 03/06/1979
From: Hendrie J
NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To: Anthony R
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE U.S.
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ML19276F256 List:
References
NUDOCS 7903280140
Download: ML19276F255 (2)


Text

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UNITED STATES

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,i NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION j

WASHING TON, D. C. 20555 m+/;

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March 6, 1979 coput CH AIRMAN Mr. Robert A. Anthony Chairman Administrative Conference of the United States 2120 L Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C.

20037

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Dear Mr. Anthony:

b b In response to your letter dated January 23, 1979, I am pleased to assure you that you have my support and cooperation in implementing Recommendation 78-4 of the Administrative Conference of the United States.

As yot may know, we pioneered the use of voluntary consensus standards in regulatory standards at the federal level, and we participate in and coordinate our standards development activities with numerous voluntary consensus standards programs. As noted in his report, Professor Hamilton used the details of our present practices concerning use of voluntary consensus standards as a basis for some of his recommendations to the Administrative Conference.

So it is not surprising that Recommendation 78-4 closely follows our present practices in this area.

Some of the small differences between our approach and the Recommendation were given in our letter to you of October 30, 1978 responding to your request for our coments on Professor Hamilton's report.

We agree that agencies should adopt and publish policy statements implementing the procedures outlined in paragraphs 1 through 4 of the Recommendation.

However, it is my understanding that OMB may soon issue a circular that will provide specific guidance to Executive Branch agencies on participation in voluntary consensus standards programs.

We plan to defer revising our internal procedures or publishing policy statements on these matters until the circular is issued and its require-ments are coordinated with the Administrative Conference's recommendations.

With regard to your questien concerning areas other than health and safety, our responsibilities in other areas include antitrust, environ-mental protection and national security.

Although our regulatory program in antitrust does not lend itself to the use of voluntary consensus standards, our programs to protect the environment and the national security make considerable use of voluntary consensus standards.

Our standards development effort for these latter two areas is managed in g90320

Mr. Robert A. Anthony

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accordance with the same general policies regarding participation in voluntary standards programs as are applied to those areas concerned with health and safety.

'~'S,i ncerely,

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. Hendrie