ML19312D953
| ML19312D953 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 05/22/1980 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Sanders M AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8006020126 | |
| Download: ML19312D953 (1) | |
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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s 33f MAY 2 g 5 0 gj7 jag Ms. M. B. Sanders 3017 South Conyer Visalia, California 93277
Dear Ms. Sanders:
This is in reply to your letter of March 24, 1980, to the Department of Energy, which was forwarded to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on May 6, 1980.
After the accident at Three Mile Island, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission decided not to license new nuclear power plants until criteria for improved safety had been developed.
The TMI accident resulted in a need for chaages in the approach to safety.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has found that actions recommended by its own staff and by the President's Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island in the areas of human factors, operational safety, emergency planning, nuclear power plant design and siting, health effects, and public information are necessary and feasible.
Interim measures have been taken, and under review is an Action Plan that will include new or improved safety objectives, detailed criteria for their implementation, and various implementation deadlines.
Meanwhile, in order to avoid unnecessary delays, the Commissioners have approved the issuance of NRC licenses for Sequoyah, North Anna Unit 2 and Salem Unit 2 to load fuel and, under specified conditions, to operate at low power levels for testing.
Every effort is being made to ensure the public health and safety at all nuclear power plants that are currently in operation or that may start operating in the future. Any plants that are found to be unsafe will not be allowed to operate.
Sincerely,
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Harold R. D nton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation 0006020( N
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Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20545 Mr. William Dircks U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.
20555
Dear Mr. Dircks:
The attached correspondence has been directed to the Department of Energy. The contents indicate that a reply should be made more appropriately by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Accordingly, we are forwarding it to you for consideration.
Sincerely, h
Hugh Kendrick, Acting Director Plans and Analysis Division, NE y' e+ - ~'-Nm *
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.g Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20545 Ms. Michelene Sanders 3017 South Conyer Visalia, California 93277
Dear Ms. Sanders:
Your letter to John P. Thereault expressing your concerns with the utilization of nuclear energy has been referred to my office for consideration.
Many factors must be evaluated in the decision to support the development of an energy technology.
Economic, environmental, and social costs, including safety must be considered. The advantages and disadvantages as well as the risks of a given technology must be weighed and compared with those of alternative energy options.
For example, the nuclear option is currently supplying approximately If this 12% of the electric rower generation for the United States.
capacity were withdrawn, the resulting power shortages in parts ofThe substit the country could become severe.
for electricity generation would more than likely involve expensive Of even graver imported oil, with accompanying higher utility bills.
concern, would be the threat to our national security, occasioned by increased dependence on foreign sources of supply.
The Federal Government is continually evaluating these factors as they The policy relate to the energy options available in the United States.
of the Administration as tated in the National Energy Plan II of 1979 stresses energy conservation as the cheapest, most practical way to meet Additionally, strong incentives exist to convert our near-term needs.
from using oil to using coal, and to develop new energy technologies such But conservation and increased use of coal and solar as solar energy.
power are not likely to be adequate to meet all of our future energyH requirements.
He has stated, to use nuclear energy from convention:1 nuclear plants.
however, that continued utilization must be accompanied by a number of measures to improve nuclear technology.
Although safety has always been a primary concern of the nuclear program, new initiatives are being implemented to enhance the safe and reliable Many of these improvements are a result of the operation of plants.
comprehensive and exhaustive investigation of nuclear operational practices following the accident at Three Mile Island.
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2 In addition, the disposal of radioactive waste is receiving the highest In February of 1980, the level of attention in the Administration.
President established the Nation's first comprehensive waste management program enlisting the joint cooperation of Federal, State and local governments to ensure the safe storage and disposal of all fo obstructing waste management solutions, the burden of nuclear waste nuclear waste.
disposal will be shouldered now and not deferred to future generations.
While there are these issues yet to be resolved regarding nuclear power, just as there are for other energy technologies, we in the Department of Energy take very seriously our responsibility to act of commercial nuclear power plants are unaer the co Regulatory Commission, we are forwarding your letter to them for approp action by copy of this letter.
Sincerely, l
Hugh Kendrick, Acting Director Plans and Analysis Division, NE William Dircks cc:
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e Marcn 24, 1960.
M.M. Sanders 3017 South Conyer Vlaa11a, Calirornia 93277 Dopartment of Energy Jonn P. Tnereault, Deputy Director Plans ana Analymim Division Orrices of Nucient Energy Programs Wannington, D.C.
Dear Decuty Director Thereault:
I am appalled oy the NHC' a decision to reinstate licensing nuclear power plants. It le evident that their choice in delaying Iurther liceneing arter tne accident at Tnree Mile 1 eland wae a political ploy. The Nuclear Regulatory Commincion in apparently obliviou= to ite reeponeibility to help provide um with cafe energy.
1 I feel that the American public 19 Deing experimented on againct its wili oy the petroleum, chemical and nuclear industrys. We are tired of Deing used guinea pign in order to enhance the frot it, and concerns or theme exploit-a9 orn.
Thie country'e top prioritiem must include a permanent moratorium on the ou11 ding and liceneing of nuclear power plants and we must shut down all Oxcieting nuclear power planta.
91ncerely y'ours, 2.u.
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