ML20161A085
| ML20161A085 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Seabrook  |
| Issue date: | 06/03/2020 |
| From: | Warren E US SEN, Comm on Armed Services, US SEN, Comm on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, US SEN, Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions |
| To: | Division Reactor Projects I |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20132A185 | List: |
| References | |
| MN 20-002 | |
| Download: ML20161A085 (1) | |
Text
Statement from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission June 3, 2020 While I am glad to hear that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) found that the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant (Seabrook) did not show significant safety concerns, it is critical that the NRC conduct robust oversight and ensure that there are strong safeguards and public input processes in place.
As Seabrook undertakes its refueling process, it is essential that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and NextEra do everything they can so that workers and nearby communities remain safe - that also means hearing from affected communities and transparently addressing their concerns. It also means properly monitoring the facility to ensure that concerns from other similar facilities across the country are addressed at Seabrook before they become problems.
It is even more critical that regulators protect communities amid the ongoing pandemic. That is why I joined Senator Markey and Representative Moulton in urging both the NRC and NextEra to ensure that safeguards protect the health and safety of workers and the nearby communities and to ensure that the plant remains properly inspected and regulated.
It is troubling that the NRC has taken steps that could weaken oversight of the facilities during the public health and economic crises. Earlier this year, the NRC announced exemptions from certain regulatory requirements during the pandemic. I am concerned that weakening regulations will put workers and communities at unnecessary risk. The NRC should instead ensure that the safety and security measures at Seabrook are not weakened and that the regulatory process remains transparent and accountable.
I will continue to work with the NRC and my colleagues on oversight of the Seabrook facility moving forward. Thank you for your consideration.