nuclear-news

How is the USA government shutdown affecting nuclear power?

Nuclear Power and the Shutdown NYT, By PHILIP M. BOFFEY 9 Oct 13Try as they may, Tea Party Republicans who triggered the shutdown cannot disguise the fact that it is disrupting important government activities.

Fortunately, the heads of federal agencies are not as reckless as Tea Partiers and have generally found ways to continue activities to protect public safety and health. But if this shutdown grinds on much longer it could cause significant harm.

Here is how two science-based agencies are faring.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The agency is expected to run out of previously appropriated money at the close of business on Thursday. At that point, the work force of 3,900 will drop to about 300. Some 150 inspectors at the nation’s 100 nuclear power plants will remain on the job as will an equal number of personnel in emergency response and support functions. That is an essential move to make sure reactors continue to operate safely. Work that is extremely important for future nuclear operations, however, will stop in its tracks. There will be no work on licensing new reactors or certifying new reactor designs, no work on adjudicating technical disputes, and no travel to or participation in meetings on such important issues as nuclear waste disposal. The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, an expert group that second-guesses agency decisions, has started canceling hearings into next week….. http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/08/nuclear-power-and-the-shutdown/?_r=0

October 10, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general