ML26040A128
| ML26040A128 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/10/2026 |
| From: | Adelaide Giantelli NRC/NMSS/DMSST |
| To: | Sonnenburg T State of UT, Dept of Environmental Quality, Div. of Waste Mgmt & Radiation Control |
| Lynch J | |
| References | |
| Download: ML26040A128 (0) | |
Text
Ted H. Sonnenburg, Director Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control Utah Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 144880 Salt Lake, City 84114-4880
SUBJECT:
STATE LIAISON OFFICER APPOINTMENT
Dear Ted Sonnenburg,
I am pleased to learn of your appointment as the State Liaison Officer (SLO) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Utah and am providing general information about the SLO role.
The SLO Program was established in 1976 in response to recommendations from the National Governors Association and other organizations to improve cooperation between the NRC and the States. The NRC relies on Governor-appointed SLOs to act as the primary communication channel between the States and NRC. The SLO serves as the primary state official to keep the Governor and other state agencies informed of issues under NRCs jurisdiction. These include nuclear regulation and security, and radiological public health and safety. In turn, the SLO provides the NRC with similar State information. I encourage you to review the following three documents which provide key guidance for the SLO program: (1) NUREG/BR-0520, State Programs at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (ML15294A009); (2) U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission State Liaison Officer Program (ML110490469) and (3) Management Directive 5.2 NRC Management Directive 5.2, Cooperation with States at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants and Other Nuclear Production or Utilization Facilities (ML18073A141)
Communications Ryan Alexander (NRC Region IV, Regional State Liaison Officer (RSLO)) will be your primary contact for routine communications. You will continue to receive copies of NRC documents and reports of interest to your State. In addition, I encourage you to visit the NRCs Web site at www.nrc.gov, where you will find information about the agencys mission and programs. Mr.
Alexander can instruct you on how to subscribe to various automatic electronic delivery feeds.
Also, the NRC conducts a National SLO Conference, usually every 2-3 years, and regional meetings as needed, to discuss matters of mutual regulatory interest. The SLO Conference provides an excellent opportunity for SLOs to collaborate amongst each other and with NRC Regional SLOs and Headquarters staff, on a wide variety of topics.
February 10, 2026
T. Sonnenburg 2
Handling of Sensitive Information The SLO serves as the primary individual in the State, who is responsible for handling sensitive information, including Safeguards Information (SGI), received from the NRC. SLOs responsibilities include implementing measures for storing and protecting SGI from unauthorized disclosure (see Title 10 CFR 73.21) and ensuring SGI recipients have a need-to-know. I also encourage you to review Regulatory Guide 5.79, Protection of Safeguards Information (ML103270219). This document describes NRC acceptable methods for establishing an information protection system and implementing the specific requirements for the protection of SGI. Mr. Alexander can provide additional information regarding the frequency in which SGI and other sensitive information may need to be shared with you as SLO.
In closing, I want to emphasize that the NRCs cooperative relationships with States are essential to accomplishing the agencys mission of protecting public health and safety, providing for common defense and security, and protecting the environment. We hope that this relationship will continue to benefit the State of Utah and NRC. Your role in continuing this vital relationship is important and we look forward to working with you.
Please feel free to contact Ryan Alexander at (817) 200-1267 or ryan.alexander@nrc.gov.
Additionally, Jeffery Lynch of my staff supports Regional SLO program and can be contacted to assist, as needed at (301) 415-5041 or jeffery.lynch@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Adelaide S. Giantelli, Chief State Agreement and Liaison Programs Division of Materials Safety, Security, State and Tribal Programs Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards cc R. Alexander Signed by Giantelli, Adelaide on 02/10/26