ABSTRACT
The absence of realistic precautions in nuclear safety regulation can be illustrated by looking at the siting of Three Mile Island and the emergency plans that existed at the time of the accident. Effective regulation requires an effective inspection and enforcement capability. Government regulation must be properly managed and must be unequivocally committed to safety. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is "fundamentally geared to trying to nurture a growing industry."This reflects a "mindset" that was theoretically eliminated by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. The NRC Commissioners have largely isolated themselves from the licensing process through the use of unnecessarily broad rules that prohibit the Commissioners from discussing pending matters with the staff. The NRC suffers from a diffuse organizational structure that is independent of specific regulatory shortcomings. This structure promotes irresponsible decision-making and buck-passing, with the eventual result that public safety is impacted.
