ML22305A542

News Release-22-040: NRC Approves Probation for Mississippis Agreement State Regulatory Program

ML22305A542
Person / Time
Issue date:	10/03/2022
From:	Office of Public Affairs
To:
References
News Release-22-040
Download: ML22305A542 (1)

Text

No: 22-040 October 3, 2022 CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200 NRC Approves Probation for Mississippis Agreement State Regulatory Program The Commission has approved placing the state of Mississippi on probation for deficiencies in its agreement state program regulating the use of radioactive materials. This move does not affect oversight of the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant in Mississippi, which remains under NRC authority, or state responsibilities related to emergency preparedness at Grand Gulf.

Probation ensures continued protection of public health and safety while program weaknesses are addressed. Placing a state on probation requires approval by the NRCs Commissioners. The weaknesses identified in Mississippi do not pose an immediate risk to public health and safety.

Mississippi is one of 39 states that have entered into agreements with the NRC giving them authority to license and regulate certain nuclear materials users within their borders. A recent NRC review of Mississippis program concluded it was adequate to protect public health and safety but needs improvement and not compatible with the NRCs program. The NRC review found the states performance unsatisfactory in several performance areas. The report on Mississippis program can be found here.

Pending the Commissions decision, the state has been on Heightened Oversight, a condition requiring increased interaction with NRC staff, preparation of a program improvement plan, bimonthly conference calls and periodic status reports. Mississippis program improvement plan has been reviewed and approved by NRC staff. The NRC will remain closely involved with state program managers as they implement improvements during the probationary period.

The Mississippi program will be re-evaluated in February 2023.