Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Congressional Hearings Transcript

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the likely magnitude of the consequences, are very different from
U. S. designs .
I would now like to discuss the program the NRC is currently
implementing to ensure that the full ramifications of the
Chernobyl accident are completely and thoroughly assessed.
First, let me say that the need to understand the impact of the
Chernobyl accident on regulatory policies and practices is not
unique to the United States. All 26 countries in which nuclear
power plays a role in their electrical generation are undoubtedly
faced with the same questions.
Already there is an international effort underway by the
International Atomic Energy Agency, with which the NRC's efforts
will be closely coordinated.
Specifically, NRC will participate in several upcoming IAEA
meetings over the next several months. The first will be a
meeting, expected in July, during which the Soviet Union will
report on the causes of the Chernobyl accident. There will also
be meetings in which binding international early warning and
coordination agreements will be drafted. There will be a meeting
of worldwide experts that will develop and propose ways to improve
safety. The final meeting will be a conference of governments
convened to consider the recommendations of the experts meeting.