ABSTRACT
This chapter examines vigilance implications, paying particular attention to the question of responsibility for public safety. It reviews the rationales for government and industry roles in regulation and noting the conflicts between them and addresses problems affecting regulation, note some encouraging developments, and consider options for institutional change. As in 1972, the social institutions that provide the necessary vigilance to ensure public safety are predominantly governmental: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has primary responsibility, and the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy supply a secondary input. A frequent response to the accident at Three Mile Island and related nuclear problems recommends an expansion of the role of the NRC. Broad participation of industry employees could diminish public fears about nuclear safety and lead to a reduction of nuisance opposition to particular plants, which would also reduce regulatory and compliance costs to industry.
