The Trump administration has moved to tighten control over the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an independent agency overseeing U.S. nuclear reactors. New procedures require the NRC to send reactor safety rules to the White House for review before finalization, marking a shift away from the agency's historical independence. A draft executive order proposes reducing the NRC's size and revising its regulations, which critics argue could jeopardize public safety by decreasing radiation standards and opening the door to political influence over technical decisions. The NRC, established after the 1979 Three Mile Island incident, has been known for its rigorous regulation of nuclear safety but may face significant restructuring. The effectiveness and safety implications of these changes remain under scrutiny, with concerns over how they might impact timely reactor approvals and safety standards.
Fri, 09 May 2025 16:46:44 GMT | NPR