Nuclear industry pushes NRC for fewer inspections
Source: Portland Press Herald
WASHINGTON The nuclear power industry is pushing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to cut back on inspections at nuclear power plants and throttle back what it tells the public about plant problems. The agency, whose board is dominated by Trump appointees, is listening.
Commission staffers are weighing some of the industrys requests as part of a sweeping review of how the agency enforces regulations governing the countrys 98 commercially operating nuclear plants. Recommendations are due to the five-member NRC board in June.
Annie Caputo, a former nuclear-energy lobbyist now serving as one of four board members appointed or reappointed by President Trump, told an industry meeting this week that she was open to self-assessments by nuclear plant operators, who are proposing that self-reporting by operators take the place of some NRC inspections.
The Trump NRC appointees and industry representatives say changes in oversight are warranted to reflect the industrys overall improved safety records and its financial difficulties, as the operating costs of the countrys aging nuclear plants increase and affordable natural gas and solar and wind power gain in the energy market.
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Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2019/03/14/nuclear-industry-pushes-nrc-for-fewer-inspections/
What could go wrong?
procon
(15,805 posts)Without a watchful government to protect public safety, what are the citizens suppose to do to prevent these corporate special interest groups from bribing away regulations that safeguard our lives?
rickford66
(5,524 posts)Cryptoad
(8,254 posts)Maxheader
(4,373 posts)Worked 4 or 5 nuke power houses..new construction...Believe you me, there are a lot of things that can go wrong...
And not just with the fail safe devices...mechanical devices wear out..corrosion..
ArizonaLib
(1,242 posts)It could never happen these days. Power companies are much too careful and no longer concern themselves with bottom line benefiting shortcuts. Who is asking for fewer inspections - Kim Jong Un?
yaesu
(8,020 posts)Fukushima type reactors in operation in this country though they are slowly going off line. Its a shame that capitalism is again putting our lives in danger in exchange for a few more investment dollars.
watoos
(7,142 posts)The power plants are subsidized with taxpayer dollars. Who insures power plants? Not privatized companies, taxpayers are on the hook.
Power plants are an example of privatizing the profits and Socializing the costs.
Power plants are an example of crony capitalism, or even a form of Socialism.
sandensea
(21,636 posts)Red Mountain
(1,733 posts)NNadir?