Legal Definitions - NRC

NRC stands for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for protecting public health and safety, and the environment, related to the civilian use of nuclear materials. This includes regulating nuclear power plants, nuclear materials used in medicine, industry, and research, and the management and disposal of nuclear waste. The NRC establishes and enforces safety regulations, issues licenses, and conducts inspections to ensure compliance and minimize risks associated with nuclear activities.

• Example 1: Licensing a New Nuclear Power Plant

  A utility company proposes to build a new nuclear power plant to generate electricity. Before construction can begin, and certainly before the plant can start operating, the company must submit detailed plans and safety analyses to the NRC. The NRC will then conduct extensive reviews, hold public hearings, and perform rigorous safety assessments to ensure the proposed design and operational procedures meet federal safety standards. Only after the NRC is satisfied that the plant can be built and operated safely will it issue the necessary licenses, demonstrating its role in regulating nuclear facilities from conception to decommissioning.

• Example 2: Safe Transport of Radioactive Medical Waste

  A large hospital uses various radioactive isotopes for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatments. After these materials have been used, they become low-level radioactive waste that must be safely disposed of. The company contracted to transport this waste from the hospital to a specialized disposal site must adhere to strict packaging, labeling, and transportation regulations set by the NRC. The NRC ensures that the containers are secure, the routes are safe, and personnel are properly trained to prevent any accidental release or exposure during transit, thereby protecting both the public and the environment.

• Example 3: Oversight of a Nuclear Research Facility

  A university operates a small research reactor for scientific experiments and the production of specialized isotopes. This facility is subject to continuous oversight by the NRC. The NRC issues the operating license for the reactor, sets the safety protocols for its use, and conducts regular inspections to ensure the university maintains proper security measures, handles nuclear materials safely, and trains its staff according to federal guidelines. This ongoing regulation by the NRC ensures that the research activities do not pose undue risks to students, staff, or the surrounding community.