USA is reviewing safety regulations in the field of atomic energy
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission of the United States has come forward with an initiative to review safety criteria that have been in effect in the field of nuclear energy for decades, Zamin.uz reports.
As part of this update, there are plans to abandon the fundamental principle of keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. This change is causing serious debates among industry experts and environmentalists.
This is because this rule is considered the foundation for ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants. According to industry publications, the commission explains this decision as a desire to eliminate excessive complexities in the regulatory process.
Under current regulations, nuclear power plant operators were required to take measures to further reduce radiation levels even if they were already below the established norms. The new proposal may abolish this obligation, leaving officials with only the requirement not to exceed the established upper limit.
There are varying views regarding the change in safety standards. In particular, representatives of the Union of Concerned Scientists warn that such a step could lead to a decline in the quality of management of nuclear facilities.
According to experts, the softening of safety principles could lead to a decrease in responsibility during the work process and an increase in the risk of radiation for workers and the population. At the same time, the commission also intends to change the implementation procedure of the National Environmental Policy Act adopted in the seventies of the last century.
The proposed innovations envision a significant reduction in the volume of environmental reviews conducted before the construction and commissioning of nuclear facilities. This may potentially limit public participation in the discussion of such large-scale projects.
Furthermore, the nuclear regulatory body proposes to waive the examination of factors such as noise, dust, and emissions released into the atmosphere when assessing the environmental impact of nuclear facilities. International publications report that the new rules are expected to exempt some existing and newly constructed reactors from a portion of regular inspections.
These changes were announced after the country's Department of Energy began reviewing radiation limits for industry personnel. The government presents these steps as part of a strategy to simplify the implementation of nuclear projects and expand nuclear energy in the country.
However, critics express concern that abandoning safety criteria for the sake of economic interests could lead to severe consequences in the long run.
