ML24317A046
| ML24317A046 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/19/2024 |
| From: | Christopher Regan NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24317A046 (1) | |
Text
Implementing NEPA:
Improving Efficiency While Balancing Public Involvement Christopher Regan Chief Environmental Review Permitting Officer Director, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support ANS Winter Meeting, Decommissioning and Environmental Sciences Embedded Topical November 19, 2024
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission An Independent Regulatory Agency NRC MISSION We license and regulate U.S. civilian use of radioactive materials, protecting public health and safety, promoting the nations common defense and security, and protecting the environment 2
Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2022-2026
Environmental Project Management Branch 1 (EPMB1)
Steve Koenick EPMB1 Branch Chief Steve.Koenick@nrc.gov Environmental Project Management Branch 2 (EMPB2)
Robert Sun EPMB2 Branch Chief Robert.Sun@nrc.gov Environmental Project Management Branch 3 (EMPB3)
Daniel Barnhurst EPMB3 Branch Chief Daniel.Barnhurst@nrc.gov Environmental Technical Reviewer Branch 1 (ETRB1)
Michelle Rome ETRB1 Branch Chief Michelle.Rome@nrc.gov Environmental Technical Reviewer Branch 2 (ETRB2)
Ted Smith ETRB2 Branch Chief Ted.Smith@nrc.gov Environmental Center of Expertise A Matrixed Organization Environmental Review LICENSE RENEWAL Environmental Review NEW REACTOR Environmental Review MATERIALS
ECOE By-The-Numbers Statistics current as of 2024 Developed 20 EAs and 9 EISs in last 5 years Currently 5+ EAs and 8+ EISs in development Average of 25 public meetings per year Averaged 33 pages on all EAs in last 5 years Average of 200 Tribes consulted annually Over 14,000 public scoping and EIS comments for Reactor, Materials, and Waste Projects in last 5 years Over 932 Protected Species consulted on under ESA in last 5 years 19 Commission (SECY) papers tracked to inform the Commission on technical developments related to agency policy matters in 2024 20 ECOE staff hired in last 2 years
Meeting our Regulatory Requirements with Improved Efficiency, Timelines, and Predictability
- Hiring
- Realignment with matrix staffing
- Increased contractor SME capacity ECOE Organizational Capacity
- Use of one document in cooperation with other Federal Partners
- Coordination with other agencies, including Tribal, State and Federal agencies Program Enhancements Collaboration
- Resource model development
- Environmental Review Decision-Making Framework
- Agile methodology and workload planning
- Use of technology/tools to improve audits
- Requests for Confirmatory Information (RCIs)
Program Enhancements Tools
Meeting our Regulatory Requirements with Improved Efficiency, Timelines, and Predictability
- Page count requirements
- Use of Incorporation By Reference (IBR)
- Risk-informed right sized review
- Streamlined alternatives analysis framework
- Potential use of artificial intelligence Ongoing and Future Efficiencies
- Amending 10 CFR Part 51 to Allow EAs
- New CATXs Fiscal Responsibility Act
[Under Consideration]
- Using mitigated FONSI
- Leveraging online and digital technologies
- Review process for former fossil-fuel power sites and brownfield sites
- Develop strategies and guidance for microreactors ADVANCE Act
[Under Consideration]
FY24 Consultations 200 Tribes 27 tribal meetings 486 letters Facilitated site visits Ensured Tribal monitors during ground disturbing activities Ensure licensees update procedures to protect cultural resources and traditional ecological resources Tell their story in our environmental documents Risk-informed Approach to Streamline Consultations while Strengthening Tribal Engagement Earlier and more meaningful resolution of Tribal concerns
Expand Stakeholder Engagement with Technology External website Environmental Review Program Blueprint More virtual meetings to reach broader and more remote audiences Streamlined comment aggregation for ~
3,000 comments per year
Thank you!