ML20125D144
| ML20125D144 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/26/1979 |
| From: | Rubenstein L Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | White F AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20125D149 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8001140124 | |
| Download: ML20125D144 (1) | |
Text
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-,s DEC 2 01979 Mr. Frank E. White, Manager White Blue Print Company P. O. Box 1552 795 Fannin Street Beaumont, Texas 77704
Dear Mr. White:
This is in response to your letter of November 28, 1979 in which you express concern for the energy shortage and urge the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to have reactors completed expeditiously and encourage new ones to be buil t.
I certainly agree with you that nuclear power is an important con-tribution to the goal of achieving energy sufficiency without excessive dependence upon foreign sources of oil.
In response to the Presidential (Kemeny) Commission Report, President Carter, on December 7,1979, called the present Iranian crisis an example of the " Clear, stark dangers" of excessive dependence on foreign oil and reaffirmed the nation's need for nuclear power.
The President noted his opposition to a moratorium with proper emphasis on safety, stating that " Nuclear power has a future in the United States - it is an option that we must keep open." The President also set a six-month target for issuing operating licenses to completed plant. The President also announced that he would reorganize the NRC to emphasize safety and improve management.
Consistent with the President's position of December 7,1979, the NRC is currently in the final phases of development of its Action Plans for imple-menting recommendations of the President's Commission and other studies resulting from the accident at Three Mile Island, Unit 2 on March 28, 1979.
This plan is being developed with special emphasis on changes in requirements for operating reactors and on changes in NRC practices and procedures to 1
diminish the risk of present operation.
The plan also contains requirements for use in licensing reviews of new plants.
The plan takes into account the time required by the NRC and plant licensees to prepare and implement the specific criteria for change.
To the extent practical, the Action Plan will provide for expedited licensing consistent with our requirements for protection of the health and safety of the public.
I trust this reply has been responsive to your concerns.
90023261 Sincerely, U?Sk[bk~
L. S. Rubenstein, Acting Chief Light Water Reactors Branch No. 4 Division of Project Management 800114.0.