ML22326A222
| ML22326A222 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/23/2022 |
| From: | Huda Akhavannik Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML22326A222 (1) | |
Text
Future of the National Materials Program Working Group Huda Akhavannik Intergovernmental Liaison Project Manager Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs
The National Materials Program (NMP)
The NMP is the broad collective framework within which both the NRC and the Agreement States function in carrying out their respective regulatory programs for radioactive material.
Through the NMP, the NRC and Agreement States function as regulatory partners.
The NMP is continually evolving - we enhance communication and collaboration to strengthen our partnership.
There are 39 current Agreement States and there will be more in the future.
Learn more:
https://www.nrc.gov/materials/nmp.html
Working Group Activities - Planning for the Future Objective:
Developing recommendations on the future structure and function of the NMP based on anticipated changes in the number and type of Agreement State and NRC licensees.
Identifying areas for increased efficiency and effectiveness for when the number of Agreement States increase and emerging technologies are developed.
What areas would be most What could the future affected by an increase in Identify Recommendations Communicate number of Agreement States the number of Agreement and Implement look like?
States?
Consistency through Communication, Collaboration, and Knowledge Management Technical expertise and experience with current and emerging technologies will increasingly be with the Agreement States.
NRC and Agreement States must continue to promote consistency in important regulatory activities such as issuing licenses and performing inspections.
Collaboration between NRC and Agreement States will continue to increase to develop guidance for new technologies or update current guidance.
Training efforts will increase, especially during the transition to become an Agreement State.
Agreement States will need to continue to demonstrate adequacy in protecting public health and safety and compatibility with NRC regulations.
What are some of the impacts from an increase in the number of Agreement States and emerging technologies?
Area NRC Agreement State Licensees Regulations Increased activity, considering Continue to adopt NRC Agreement State regulations must emerging technologies and requirements as appropriate to be compatible with NRC compatibility reviews maintain compatibility regulations. Comply with Agreement State regulations Reciprocity (cross- Decreased activity, fewer NRC Same level of effort Increased number of jurisdictions jurisdictional) jurisdictions Inspections Decreased activity, fewer NRC Same level of effort Agreement State now performs licensees inspections under their authority Licensing Decreased activity, fewer NRC Same level of effort Agreement State now reviews and licensees issues licenses under their authority Guidance Increased activity, develop guidance Increased activity, increased No impact Development for new technologies in joint working participation in joint working groups groups
NRC Resource Impacts
- The NRC recovers most of its annual budget through fees
- Activities associated with providing support and oversight for the Agreement States are excluded from this fee-recovery requirement
- Examples of activities: developing regulations and guidance, approving new Agreement States, assessing technical adequacy and compatibility of Agreement States, providing NRC training, etc.
- NRC fees are amended annually (87 FR 37197)
NRC Resource Impacts Cont.
- A change in the number of NRC licensees from the increase in the number of Agreement States would require rebalancing the staffing plan to sustain a fair and equitable fee recovery structure
- Even with fewer Non-Agreement States, the NRC must continue to maintain its oversight and support role in the NMP
- New and current Agreement States fund their programs through their own fee structures
Next Steps
- The Working Group has developed recommendations to better promote consistency throughout the NMP and sustain a fair and equitable fee structure.
- The Working Group will document these recommendations in an informational paper to the Commission (March 2023).
Questions?
Thank you for your time!
Contact:
Huda.Akhavannik@nrc.gov 10