ML20154Q720
| ML20154Q720 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/18/1988 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Meese E JUSTICE, DEPT. OF, ATTORNEY GENERAL, OFFICE OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8806070104 | |
| Download: ML20154Q720 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 8 c, pp/-
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April 18, 1988 cwa AN The Honorable Edwin Meese, !!!
Attorney General Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
On April 21, 1988, the House Subcommittee on Oversight and ,
Investigations, Committee on Energy and Commerce will be holding hearings at which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Commission) will be asked to testify about matters pertaining to the Tennessee Valley Authority's nuclear reactor program.
At that hearing we may be asked questions regarding possible material false statements made to the Commission by Stephen A. i White, Manager of TVA's Office of Nuclear Power.
\
As you may be aware, on October 5, 1987, the Commission's )
Office of Investigations referred to the Department of Justice l for prosecutorial review a "Briefing Report" on its investigation concerning Mr. White's statements to the NRC.
The Justice Department was provided associated investigative materials on October 9, 1987. On March 15, 1988, our Of fice of )
Investigations submitted to the Department of Justice its "Final Report of Investigation" on this matter. It is our understanding that the Department of Justice has not made a decision oc whether prosecution is warranted.
Previously, the Commission has taken the position that detailed Congressional inquiry into the allegations regarding l Mr. White's statements could prejudice the ongoing criminal and civil reviews by the Department of Justice and the Commissicn.
It is uncertain whether the Subcommittee at the forthcoming i hearing will require the Commission to divulge information which could prejudice any subsecuent action based on these reviews. ,
It is our understanding that the Department of Justice has informed the Subcommittee that it has no objections to the hearing and has not requested the Subcommittee to limit its ,
questioning regarding the White matter. It therefore appears to us that the Department no longer adheres to the position set forth in the enclosed letter from Assistant Attorney General Bolton to Representative Gejdenson on February 9, 1988. In view of the Department's lack of objection to a full public l
0 8806070104 0 RE N ENCE PDR
2 discussion of matters relating to the Tennesee Valley Authority's nuclear program, we see no basis for further delay in NRC's consideration of civil enforcement action based on information developed in our investigations of Mr. White's statements to the NRC. Accordingly, we are proceeding to consider whether civil enforcement action is warranted.
Sincerely, W. .
Lando W. Ze , Jr.
Enclosure:
February 9, 1988 letter bec: Lawrence Lippe, Chief General Litigation and Legal Advice Section Criminal Division U.S. Department of Justice William F. Weld .
Acting Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division U.S. Department of Justice Thomas M. Bond Acting Assistant Attorney General Department of Justice
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