ML20105A492
| ML20105A492 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/18/2020 |
| From: | Kristine Svinicki NRC/Chairman |
| To: | Barrasso J, Braun M, Pallone F US Congress, US HR (House of Representatives), US SEN (Senate) |
| Meyer M | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20105A489 | List: |
| References | |
| CORR-20-0040 | |
| Download: ML20105A492 (3) | |
Text
May 18, 2020 The Honorable John A. Barrasso Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am transmitting the report for the second quarter in Fiscal Year 2020 in response to the guidance provided in the September 26, 2019, letter from the Committee on Environment and Public Works and Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety. This report reflects information for the reporting period of January 1, 2020, through March 31, 2020.
provides a high-level graphical summary illustrating the NRCs overall performance in the areas of licensing, inspection activities, workforce development and management, and financial administration. Enclosure 2 provides the status of specific items of interest, including a summary of the item, the activities planned and accomplished within the reporting period, and projected activities for the next reporting period. Finally, Enclosure 3 provides data and additional information associated with the NRCs licensing activities and regulatory duties.
As you know, on January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nations healthcare community in responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Shortly before the completion date for this reporting period, the NRC began taking precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of our workforce in accordance with guidance provided by the Federal Government, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as State and local authorities. In particular, preparatory activities included notification in a March 28, 2020, letter by the Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to the industry explaining the process by which NRC will be prepared to grant, upon request from individual licensees, exemptions from the work hour controls specified in 10 CFR 26.205(d)(1)-(d)(7) in accordance with the NRCs regulations in 10 CFR 26.9, Specific exemptions. Other impacts to NRC activities during this reporting period were minimal and, where appropriate, are discussed in the enclosure. Future reports will include additional details on NRC activities resulting from or impacted by the COVID-19 PHE and the agencys response including the step taken to temporarily defer fees to mitigate the financial impact on the regulated community.
2 The Commission appreciates the ongoing efforts to ensure that this quarterly report meets the Committees oversight needs and expectations. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me or have your staff contact Eugene Dacus, Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, at (301) 415-1776.
Sincerely, Kristine L. Svinicki
Enclosures:
As stated cc: Senator Thomas R. Carper Kristine L.
Svinicki Digitally signed by Kristine L. Svinicki Date: 2020.05.18 17:16:46 -04'00'
Identical letter sent to:
The Honorable John A. Barrasso Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 cc: Senator Thomas R. Carper The Honorable Mike Braun Chairman, Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 cc: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr.
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 cc: Representative Greg Walden