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Reactor Safety: Regulatory Objectives & Framework
	ML23248A214
Person / Time
Issue date:	09/06/2023
From:	Sushil Birla; NRC/RES/DE
To:	;
	Sushil Birla 301-415-2311
References
	Download: ML23248A214 (11)
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Reactor safety:

Regulatory Objectives & Framework Sushil Birla Senior Technical Advisor U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NERS 462 Guest speaker

Reactor Safety

Role of Government

Objectives Regulatory perspective

Need for regulation

Overall regulatory framework

3 Federal Rulemaking Process Congress passes law authorizing/requiring regulation.

If significant, OMB reviews draft proposed rule.

Agency drafts a proposed rule.

Agency publishes notice of proposed rulemaking.

Public has opportunity to submit comments to agency.

Agency reviews public comments and develops draft final rule.

Agency publishes final rule.

If significant, OMB reviews draft final rule.

Rule takes effect.

Congress reviews final rule.

Disapproval resolution passed.

Rule challenged in court.

Court vacates all or part of rule.

Judicial Branch Legislative Branch Executive Branch

NRCs Mission License and regulate the nations civilian use of nuclear materials to Provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety Promote the common defense and security Protect the environment Civilian use:

Commercial Industrial Academic Medical

NRCs Main Regulatory Functions

Establish standards and regulations

Issue licenses, certificates, and permits

Ensure compliance with established standards and regulations

Functions to support decisions

- Issue adjudicatory decisions

- Conduct research

- Assess risk and performance to support regulatory decisions

- Advisory activities

NRCs Safety & Security Objectives 1.

PROVIDE QUALITY LICENSING AND OVERSIGHT OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS 2.

ENSURE THAT REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ADEQUATELY SUPPORT THE SAFE AND SECURE USE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS 3.

MAINTAIN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE CAPABILITIES FOR NRC AND NRC-LICENSED FACILITIES

Principles of Good Regulation

Integrity

Service

Openness

Commitment

Cooperation

Clarity

Independence

Efficiency

Reliability

Respect

Regulatory & Guidance Framework Regulations & Guidance Rulemaking Guidance development Standards development Generic communications Support for decisions Operational experience Events assessment Generic issues Licensing Certification Decommissioning Oversight Inspection Performance assessment Enforcement Allegations Investigations

The Future: Around the corner SECY-23-0021: Proposed Rule: Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors Offers alternative regulatory framework for licensing future commercial nuclear plants

Performance-based

Voluntary NRC-2023-0071 Regulatory Framework for Fusion Systems Limited-scope rulemaking amend the NRCs byproduct material regulations Technology inclusive Supportive of a performance-based approach to regulation Provide appropriate fusion-related definitions Develop content of application requirements of a licensing application Determine other appropriate requirements

Open Governance Stakeholder Engagement www.nrc.gov