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BALTIMORE, MD – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown took action to oppose two 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, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of attorneys general argue that the monumental changes the NRC has proposed in such a short period of time threaten to put public health and safety at risk.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed 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 and would reduce monitoring and reporting requirements. 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, long-standing 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 the unprecedented volume of proposed regulatory changes NRC has introduced this year.
Attorney General Brown also joined 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 or community engagement in the decision-making process.
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 coalition notes that the proposed changes have the potential to negatively impact communities with preexisting environmental justice concerns. 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).
Last month, Attorney General Brown 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 limit public participation. The attorneys general argued that, if finalized, that proposed rule would also violate the Administrative Procedure Act and fail to comply with NEPA.
Joining Attorney General Brown in submitting today’s comment letters are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
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