ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OPPOSES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S RAPID AND DRASTIC OVERHAUL OF NUCLEAR ENERGY REGULATION
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul took action to oppose U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposals, which are part of a wholesale, rapid revision of its long-standing regulations. In comments submitted to the NRC, Raoul and a coalition of states argue that the monumental changes the commission has proposed in such a short period of time threaten to put public health and safety at risk.
“Illinois leads the nation in nuclear energy generation, so ensuring this critical power source remains safe for the public and workers is especially important to our state,” Raoul said. “The scale of the changes and speed at which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is moving to implement them is unnecessary. I call on the commission to approach its overhaul more thoughtfully and work with states to ensure that effective regulations are in place and that the public remains confident in the safety of nuclear power.”
Raoul led a coalition of attorneys general in filing comments opposing two proposed NRC rule changes. The first includes sweeping changes to radiation safety standards and oversight with serious impacts on state programs and worker and public safety. The proposal would increase the levels of radiation to which workers and the public could legally be exposed.
It would also reduce monitoring and reporting requirements and revise air emission standards to allow higher levels of radioactive pollution.
The NRC’s proposal would also eliminate the science-backed As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) standard for radiation protection. The NRC has not provided a scientific basis for abandoning this internationally recognized, longstanding protection.
In their comment letter, the attorneys general argue that the NRC failed to support its proposals with evidence, failed to propose or consider alternative approaches to achieve its stated goals, and failed to allow the public or the states adequate time to comprehend and meaningfully review this deluge of proposed regulatory changes.
Raoul also led the coalition in submitting comments opposing a second NRC proposal that could allow large parts of nuclear power plants to be built without environmental review, without community engagement in the decision-making process and without considering alternatives. The proposal would also limit the public’s opportunity for continued engagement after nuclear power plants are built.
The attorneys general argue that several other provisions in the proposed rule create unwarranted risks to public safety and amount to the NRC abdicating its oversight role and safety mandate. The NRC has conceded in its Regulatory Analysis for the Proposed Rule that the changes will likely reduce public confidence in the safety and security of nuclear power, contrary to its statutory obligations.
The coalition notes that the proposed changes have the potential to most significantly and negatively impact communities with environmental justice concerns. Raoul and the attorneys general assert that, if finalized, the proposed rule would violate the Administrative Procedure Act and fail to comply with the Atomic Energy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Joining Raoul in submitting these comment letters are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
Earlier this month, Raoul joined a coalition of attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing an NRC proposal to revise its NEPA regulations. That proposal would unlawfully fast-track nuclear power projects by ignoring foreseeable environmental impacts and making it harder for the public to engage. Raoul and the attorneys general argue that, if finalized, the proposed rule would violate the Administrative Procedure Act and fail to comply with NEPA.
Joining Raoul in submitting this comment letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, as well as Harris County, Texas.
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