ML19338C552
| ML19338C552 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 08/04/1980 |
| From: | Youngblood B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Goodwin S AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8008180122 | |
| Download: ML19338C552 (4) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES g
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E WASHINGTON. D. C. 20555
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AUG 4 1980 Ms. Sheryl Goodwin Box 932 Newbury Port, Massachusetts 01950
Dear Ms. Goodwin:
Because the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the federal agency directly responsible for licensing nuclear plants, your letter of June 7,1980, to President Carter has been referred to me for reply. The NRC issues licenses only after it determines that the license application complies with the regulations previously promulgated by the NRC to effect the statutory requirements of Congress as mandated by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 (NEPA).
In your letter you express your concerns and beliefs about safety of nuclear power, alternative energy sources, cleanliness and cost of nuclear power, and the proximity of the Seabrook Station, Units 1 and 2 to your residence.
These and other matters were considered in the technical review of the Seabrook Station, Units 1 and 2 application by the NRC staff.
In addition, an extensive adjudicatory hearing was completed prior to a decision to issue construction permits for the Seabrook facility. Procedures for that hearing were similar to procedures used in federal courts and included sworn testimony, cross examination and conclusions of law by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board.
The Board's Initial Decision was subjected to reviews by an Atomic Safety and Licensing Appeal Board and was subjected to review of the Comission.
For Seabrook, some issues were also reviewed by a federal court in response to petitions by intervenor groups.
I believe that this summary shows that NRC's licensing process affords extensive provisions for consideration of concerns such as those that you express.
This includes changes in the Comission's requirements to implement lessons learned from operating experience, e.g., numerous changes in requirements are evolving based on the Three Mile Island Unit 2 experience, and will be required in the Seabrook facility prior to a decision on issuance of operating licenses for the Seabrook facility.
l Finally, you urge a national energy policy to use alternatives to nuclear l
as an energy source. Many countries view nuclear power as their only real alternative to dependence on costly and uncertain oil and gas imports.
l 8008180/12
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lis. Sheryl Goodwin AUG f 1930 The United States is in a better position, primarily because of its vast coal resources. Coal does, however, have economic, environmental, and health and safety limitations; and, therefore, the United States also must continue to count on nuclear power to meet a share of its energy deficit.
Thank you for expressing your concerns.
Sincerely, f7 0
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B. J. Y ungbl d, Chief Licensing Branch No. I Division of Licensing i
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