ML20039B367
| ML20039B367 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/04/1981 |
| From: | Palladino N NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Ottinger R HOUSE OF REP., ENERGY & COMMERCE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20039B368 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8112220586 | |
| Download: ML20039B367 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION o
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WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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Novembec 4, 1981 CHAIRMAN
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C The Honorable Richard L. Ottinger Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy
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2 Conservation and Power
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{I Committee on Energy and Commerce 1
U. S. House of Representatives
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Dear Mr. Chairman:
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The letter written to me by you and Chairman Dingell on October 23, 1981 has led me to reflect upon some of the difficulties inherent in my position as Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
One example, as you pointed out, is the awkward position in which I can be placed by participating in a press conference such as the one held at the White Mcuse on October 8, 1981.
On one hand, it is difficult to refuse a White House request to explain the impact of the President's policy on the work of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
At the same time, I can understand the concerns you expressed.
With regard to the question you raised about my specific response, "Yes, that's correct," it related to Secretary Edwards' sentence and question, "There are 33 of those, I believe.
Is that correct, Mr. Palladino?'
The number 33 in turn referred to " plants already under construction and awaiting licensing."
I am forwarding, as an enclosure to this letter, several papers relating to your expressed interest in NRC documents which concern Commission con-sideration of measures to facilitate the licensing of plants already under construction.
These papers, while not exhaus-tive, illustrate the Commission's activities on this subject.
With regard to the other concern you expressed about my comments, I agree that it would have been preferable for me to say that, "We are scheduled to make licensing decisions for some 33 plants" rather than, "We will expect to issue some 33 operating licenses."
By my general statement, I did not intend to suggest that I, or the Commission, had already made the licensing decisions.
The specific licensing decisions, as part of'the general licensing challenge, are ahead of us, as I intended to reflect in my statement that, E.:12220586 811104 of.;R COMMS NRCC
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Honorable Richard L. Ottinger "It will be an unprecedented pace of licensing and we will have to do a careful and we are consistent with ou' professional job to make sure that r mandate to protect the health and safety of the public."
I understand the basis for your concerns.
I share your interest and emphasis on maintaining the independence of the NRC, and I will try to avoid pitfalls that would undermine or appear to undermine that independence.
Sincerely, AM d
Nunziov(JP ladino
Enclosures:
1.
Commission Statement on Policy on Conduct of Licensing Proceedings, 20 May 1981 2.
J. M. Hendrie Testimony, 18 June 1981 3.
10 CFR Part 2, Amendment to Final Rule on Review Procedures for Licensing Board Decisions re OL Applications cc:
Hon. Carlos J. Moorhead Commissioner Gilinsky Commissioner Bradford Commissioner Ahearne Commissioner Roberts l
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