We hope our program will be able to streamline the process and allow for the timely issuing of Class VI permits.” “Class VI injection wells have the potential to be part of the solution by trapping the CO 2 in appropriate geologic formations.

“Clearly, there is concern today about levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its impact on the environment,” said Leslie Savage, RRC’s Chief Geologist. The proposed amendments would modify various sections of RRC rules, including those describing the applicability of the rules, application requirements, notice and hearing requirements, permit standards and reporting, recordkeeping and more. If ultimately approved by the EPA, primacy would mean that operators would only need to apply with the RRC for Class VI permits rather than both agencies. The proposed changes and other information will be sent to EPA as part of a pre-application for primacy and allow EPA a chance to start its review. The NRC report was published on the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS), the NRC's official library and database.RRC’s commissioners approved the publishing of proposed amendments to the agency’s carbon dioxide rules for public comment. It currently comprises 30 Democrats and 23 Republicans. The House Committee on Appropriations is responsible for funding the federal government's 'vital activities to keep the United States safe, strong, and moving forward'. The letter was signed by House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. The committee has requested that the NRC hold a public comment period prior to its commissioners voting on any changes to the Reactor Oversight Process. That is why we are disturbed by the consideration of these far-reaching changes to the NRC's regulatory regime without first actively conducting robust public outreach and engagement.' In a letter to NRC Chairwoman Kristine Svinicki, committee leaders said: 'To ensure nuclear power provides safe, reliable, emission-free energy, it is imperative for the NRC to uphold strong regulatory standards. The changes have raised concerns however from leaders of the House Appropriations Committee, who warned against 'moving ahead with dramatic changes to NRC safety protocols without meaningful public input'. On the contrary: smarter regulations can help nuclear plant owners and operators allocate time and resources to areas that most impact safety,' it says. 'Streamlining regulations does not mean compromising on safety. 'But the nuclear energy industry has evolved since then, and regulations need to evolve as well,' it says. The NRC updated its regulatory approach in the mid-1990s, which the NEI says 'demonstrably improved' industry and regulatory efficiency. The NEI says on its website that it exists to ensure that the nation’s nuclear energy industry upholds only the highest safety standards, but that some regulations have become 'too cumbersome' and new technology that could dramatically improve safety stays 'mired in antiquated processes'. Our outstanding performance as an industry is due to an exceptional culture of safety at the nation’s nuclear power stations and a strong, independent regulator.' 'The health and safety of our workers and the public always have been and always will be paramount.

We look forward to the Commission's decision, and applaud the NRC staff effort to systematically evaluate the decades-old ROP to ensure that it reflects a more robust understanding of the current performance of the US nuclear fleet. NEI President and CEO Maria Korsnick said: 'The Reactor Oversight Process SECY has just been released to the public and NEI is reviewing it now. The report provides recommendations in three parts of the inspection process: removing and revising requirements in the assessment area revising sample sizes and resource estimates for a number of baseline inspection procedures and revising the determination process for Emergency Preparedness Areas. The NRC said the proposed changes 'will result in the staff performing an appropriate level of oversight with less regulatory burden and expenditure of resources by focusing oversight on issues of greater safety significance'. The NRC report, Recommendations for enhancing the reactor oversight process, was published on 16 July after a year-long consultation process that included public meetings. The Palisades plant (Image: Palisades Power)

In response, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) said 'smarter regulations' can help nuclear plant owners and operators allocate time and resources to areas that most impact safety. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has proposed a reduction in the frequency and scope of inspections at the country's more than 90 nuclear power units to help reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Nrc oversight process