ML13218A099

03-28-12 LTR-12-0125 Letter from Honorable Robert Menendez and Honorable Frank R. Lautenberg on Meeting Held on March 28, 2012 to Discuss the Annual Safety Assessment of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant

ML13218A099
Person / Time
Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	03/28/2012
From:	Lautenberg F, Mendez R US SEN (Senate)
To:	Jaczko G NRC/Chairman
References
LTR-12-0125
Download: ML13218A099 (2)

Text

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed: Apr 02, 2012 17:02 PAPER NUMBER: LTR-12-0125 LOGGING DATE: 03/28/2012 ACTION OFFICE: OCA AUTHOR: SEN Robert Menendez AFFILIATION: CONG ADDRESSEE: Gregory Jaczko

SUBJECT:

Meeting held on March 28, 2012 to discuss the annual safety assessment of the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant ACTION: Appropriate DISTRIBUTION: RF,EDO LETTER DATE: 03/28/2012 ACKNOWLEDGED No SPECIAL HANDLING: OCA to reply by phone or by Chairman Correspondence NOTES:

FILE LOCATION: ADAMS DATE DUE: DATE SIGNED:

tinitro ~tatrs ~rnatr WASHINGTON, DC 20510 March 28,2012 The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko, Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852

Dear Dr. J aczko,

We are concerned that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) meeting later today to discuss the annual safety assessment of the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant will not allow for adequate public participation. Although citizens have historically been given the opportunity to voice their concerns publicly to NRC personnel at the annual meeting, this year the NRC has unexpectedly decided to change the meeting format in a way that precludes public comment, but still allows private discussion. This lack of transparency is of deep concern to us and we urge you to reconsider.

The ability for public citizens to address their government in matters of local concern is a key component of a well-functioning democracy. Those affected by the Oyster Creek plant have a number of questions regarding its operation and deserve to have those questions answered in a public setting and not just behind closed doors. Moreover, there does not seem to be a convincing reason why this meeting cannot include a period for public discussion, especially when NRC staff will already be present.

Forgoing a public comment period for this Oyster Creek meeting is a mistake that we urge you to correct. Our staffs contacted your office last week regarding this issue but have yet to receive a definitive response. We strongly urge you to embrace transparency and give the residents of Stafford Township and those of surrounding communities an opportunity to voice their concerns.

Sincerely,

• United States Senator