ML20196L066
| ML20196L066 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/31/1999 |
| From: | Diaz N NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Vietticook A NRC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (SECY) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20196L061 | List: |
| References | |
| SECY-99-070-C, SECY-99-70-C, NUDOCS 9907120286 | |
| Download: ML20196L066 (2) | |
Text
NOTATION VOTE RESPONSE SHEET TO:
Annette Vietti-Cook, Secretary l
FROM:
COMMISSIONER DIAZ
SUBJECT:
SECY-99-070 -IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE (DSI-14)
)
I ith comments Approved xx},
Disapproved Abstain Not Participating
)
COMMENTS:
See attached comments.
DV SlGNATURE
)
j 3 aim DATE Entered on "AS" Yes X No W !8 2 8 7J8c
- CORRESPONDENCE PDR
f, COMMISSIONER DIAZ'S COMMENTS ON SECY-99 070 As I have long stated, the clarity and accuracy of NRC communication are important aspects of our responsibility to the American people. Thus, I am pleased to see the broad array of tasks -
and steps toward implementation that are outlined in SECY-99-070. I agree that these actions should help achieve that goal, i do have, however, some cautionary comments.
First, I continue to believe that " increasing public confidence" is a result of effective utilization of the first three critoria that the staff has begun to employ for measuring outcomes:
"(1) maintaining safety, (2) reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, [and] (3) increasing efficiency and effectiveness."- Actions that achieve and/or contribute to maintaining safety, reducing unnecessary regulatory burden, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness, are primary indicators of how the NRC is satisfying agency objectives; by themselves, and by.
establishing effective communications with the public, they should increase public confidence and serve our nationalinterest.
In this regard, although we properly focus on the logistics of excelling in our communication with the public, I am concerned that the resource requirements may be understated. Not only is it important that the initiatives reach all NRC staff and all NRC activities, it is also important that
-. these initiatives not diminish the performance of the tasks that underpin our findings of reasonable assurance of public health and safety, and protection of the environment. If the EDO finds that such conflicts are developing, he should immediate bring such resource issues to the attention of the Commission.
Secondly, before I could fully endorse the plan for early public involvement in rulemaking (llA1),
I would need more details; Although I agree that early public involvement is beneficial, I am not clear as to the scope or depth of the intention that "(p]ublic involvement should be considered in develc-ina rulemaking Alang." (Emphasis added).
Lastly, I would recommend that consideration be given to the proposition that the agency should
" educate" the public, albeit "without being promotional," as might be suggested by the statement of issue VA. I have no objection to the specified tasks, but I believe the focus should be on explaining and discussing our actions with clarity and accuracy.
l g