ML23263A983
| ML23263A983 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/14/2023 |
| From: | Crowell B NRC/OCM |
| To: | Carper T, Coons C, Duckworth T, Paul Ricketts US HR, Comm on Energy & Commerce, US SEN, Comm on Environment & Public Works |
| References | |
| Download: ML23263A983 (1) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON , O.C. 20555-0001 September 14, 2023 The Honorable Thomas R. Carper Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your July 14, 2023, letter to me and my Commission colleagues at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding the NRC's draft proposed rule, "Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors." I appreciate the insights on the draft proposed rule included in the letter on behalf of you and the other members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representative who signed the letter. I assure you I am carefully reviewing the draft proposed rule.
As you are aware, the NRC initiated this rulemaking, also known as Part 53, at the direction of Congress pursuant to the 2019 Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA).
Consistent with NEIMA, the draft proposed rule intends to establish a risk-informed, performance-based regulatory framework for licensing new and advanced nuclear power reactors in a manner consistent with the NRC's statutory mission to provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment. In doing so, the NRC will develop an effective framework that allows new and advanced reactor applicants to utilize a modernized regulatory process that appropriately prioritizes both safety and efficiency. I firmly believe that achieving this objective is central to the NRC fulfilling its statutory mission and direction while also serving as a key component for enabling the U.S. to meet its energy, environmental, and national security objectives.
As I finalize my review of the draft proposed rule, please be assured that I have thoroughly considered all stakeholder input, including the important issues highlighted in your letter. I believe the NRC can promulgate a rule that offers a durable, yet flexible, regulatory approach for new and advanced reactor technologies, while providing sufficient clarity .and predictability for applicants to navigate the process efficiently and effectively.
2 My impending vote on the draft Part 53 proposed rule currently before the Commission will aim to balance these priorities through providing NRC staff clear guidance with sufficient detail to update the draft accordingly in advance of publishing the draft proposed rule for public consideration in the Federal Register.
Thank you again for your letter. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your colleagues on this topic and the many other important policy matters currently before the Commission .
Sincerely,
~
Identical letter sent to:
The Honorable Thomas R. Carper The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers Chairman , Committee on Environment Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce and Public Works United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington , DC 20515 Washington , DC 20510 The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr.
The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce Environment and Public Works United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington , DC 20515 Washington , DC 20510 The Honorable Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
The Honorable Tammy Duckworth United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20515 Washington , DC 20510 The Honorable Diana DeGette The Honorable Chris Coons United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington , DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Robert E. Latta The Honorable Pete Ricketts United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington , DC 20515 Washington , DC 20510 The Honorable Doris Matsui The Honorable Deb Fischer United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Brett Guthrie The Honorable Cynthia M . Lummis United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20515 Washington , DC 2051 0 The Honorable Kathy Castor The Honorable Martin Heinrich United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable H. Morgan Griffith The Honorable Ted Budd United States House of United States Senate Representatives Washington, DC Washington, DC 2051 0 20515 The Honorable James E . Risch The Honorable John P. Sarbanes United States Senate United States House of Representatives Washington , DC 20510 Washington , DC 20515 The Honorable Kevin Cramer The Honorable Bill Johnson United States Senate United States House of Representatives Washington , DC 20510 Washington , DC 20515
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