3.1: Openness
The NRC appropriately informs and involves stakeholders in the regulatory process. Other Information:
Discussion: The NRC views nuclear regulation as the public’s business and, as such, believes it should be transacted as openly
and candidly as possible to maintain and enhance the public’s confidence. Ensuring appropriate openness explicitly recognizes
that the public must be informed about, and have a reasonable opportunity to participate meaningfully in, the NRC’s regulatory
processes. At the same time the NRC must also control sensitive information so that security goals are met. Over the next
several years, the NRC anticipates receiving license applications for the construction and operation of a number of nuclear
power plants, nuclear materials facilities, and a geologic repository. In addition, the NRC expects an increase in the number
of spent fuel shipments and applications to extend the licenses of operating reactors. These activities will generate a great
deal of public interest. Stakeholders will have many opportunities to participate in the regulatory process before issuance
of a license, construction permit, early site permit, design certification, or combined license. For this participation to
be meaningful, stakeholders must have access to clear and understandable information about the NRC’s role, processes, activities,
and decisionmaking. The NRC will engage in active communications with stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding and timely
response. To continue its practice of communicating clearly and frequently on operating plant and materials activities, the
NRC will hold meetings with the public or other external stakeholders both in the vicinity of nuclear facilities and at its
headquarters and regional offices. In addition, documents and correspondence related to license renewals, license applications,
and inspection findings, with the exception of certain security-related, proprietary, and other sensitive information, are
made available through the agency’s public Web site at http://www.nrc.gov. The agency issues press releases when it receives
license applications and announces public meetings, opportunities for hearings, and other avenues for public involvement.
Copies of key documents and notifications are sent to Federal, State, local, and Tribal authorities; published in the Federal
Register; and made available electronically on the NRC Web site. Librarians at the NRC’s Public Document Room are available
to assist members of the public in accessing or obtaining copies of the agency’s public documents. To complement the agency’s
public outreach activities, the NRC has an established process to respond to requests made under the Freedom of Information
Act. Openness Strategies: 1. Enhance awareness of the NRC’s independent role in protecting public health and safety, the environment,
and the common defense and security. 2. Provide accurate and timely information to the public about the NRC’s mission, regulatory
activities, and performance and about the uses of, and risks associated with, radioactive materials. 3. Provide for fair,
timely, and meaningful stakeholder involvement in NRC decisionmaking without disclosing classified, safeguards, proprietary,
and sensitive unclassified information. 4. Communicate about the NRC’s role, processes, activities, and decisions in plain
language that is clear and understandable to the public. 5. Initiate early communication with stakeholders on issues of substantial
interest.
Indicator(s):
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