ML19305D327
| ML19305D327 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/18/1980 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Lujan M HOUSE OF REP. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8004140392 | |
| Download: ML19305D327 (1) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES M
8 NUCLEAA REGULATORY COMMISSION n
N WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 March 18, 1980 OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONE R The Honorable Manuel Lujan, Jr.
United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
20515
Dear Congressman Lujan:
During our discussion of the advanced reactor research program at the hearing on February 26, 1980, perhaps I should have made one additional point.
It seems to me that a decision regarding the continuation of an NRC advanced reactor safety research program is, and should be, separable from DOE's development programs.
In general, it is advisable to have the regulatory framework ready if and when an application is filed. In the case of advanced reactors like the breeder, even if Congress decides to phase down or out D0E's program, it might still consider it desirable to continue the NRC research necessary to maintain a regulatory capability in this area.
Government policies can and do change.
Should the nation decide at some point in the future that a breeder is needed, it would be unfortunate if the option were forestalled by the lack of an adequate regulatory base.
So long as advanced reactor development is being actively pursued abroad, as it now is, it would seem prudent for the U.S. to maintain some safety expertise in the field regardless of our nation's current plans.
This, of course, is nty personal opinion.
It is one which I have stated publicly - most recently in response to questioning by Congressman Burgener before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development during NRC's FY 1981 budget hearings.
1 Sincerely,
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hose M. Hendrie Commissioner
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