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Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Congressional Hearings Transcript

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308<br />

QUESTION FROM CHAIRMAN JAMES A. MCCLURE<br />

Question 14: Would you agree that the current licensing process simply<br />

doesn't work, in terms of bringing a safe plant on-line in a<br />

reasonable period of time while allowing for meaningful<br />

public participation. How would DOE's proposal for licensing<br />

reform fix the current problems? How would licensing reform<br />

affect public health and safety?<br />

Answer: Yes, we agree that the current nuclear licensing process is<br />

fundamentally flawed. The current design-as-you-go,<br />

regulate-as-you-go process results in delaying key safety<br />

decisions until construction is well underway, or in some<br />

cases, until the plant construction is complete. The<br />

Department's legislative proposal would result in the early<br />

resolution of all major safety issues based upon essentially<br />

complete design and site information. The public's<br />

participation would be more effective since it would be both<br />

early in the process and based upon more complete<br />

information. With respect to public health and safety, the<br />

Department's proposal would enhance public health and safety<br />

by:<br />

1. Focusing design, construction, operating and regulatory<br />

activities on a few standard designs with which<br />

organizations, institutions, and personnel would become<br />

familiar and, therefore, more competent.

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