Letter to Hon. Kristine L. Svinicki, Chairman of Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Carbajal Urges Smart Nuclear Oversight

Letter

Dear Chairman Svinicki:

I write to express my concerns in response to numerous reports of proposed changes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering to its Reactor Oversight Process (ROP), and to request a public comment period before making these changes permanent. While I was pleased the NRC has decided against changing inspector assessments, I am still troubled that the NRC is looking to arbitrarily reduce safety inspections and is loosening public reporting requirements when problems arise. More alarming is that the NRC is considering all these sweeping changes without significant public input.

The NRC was established by Congress in 1974 as an independent agency. Its primary mission is to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials--while also protecting people and safeguarding the environment. These recent reports seem contrary to this mission.

By reducing current standards, the safety and wellbeing of both the public and those who work with nuclear reactors could potentially be at risk. Because of this, robust monitoring standards are crucial. There is no excuse to not conduct public outreach before proposing these changes.

The proposed changes to the ROP would weaken safety within the nuclear energy industry. I am concerned that this could have detrimental effects. Furthermore, because of the magnitude of these changes, I urge the NRC to hold a public comment period before any alterations to the ROP are finalized.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

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