NW Valley Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) has introduced a new bill aimed at streamlining nuclear regulation in the United States. The Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to submit reports to Congress outlining any changes made to processes or procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as exploring ways to improve efficiency in the future.

Congresswoman Lesko emphasizes the need for government agencies to become more efficient and update their practices to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. She states, "My bill is a commonsense approach to provide the information both Congress and the NRC need in order to enact future decisions, improve processes, and maintain excellent safety standards. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation."

The Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act requires the NRC to produce three reports for Congress. The first report focuses on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can be implemented to improve regulatory oversight. The second report evaluates specific aspects of oversight and inspections that can be modified using technology, improved planning, and risk-informed and performance-based evaluations. The third report reviews office and facility space requirements.

A discussion draft of the bill has already been favorably reported out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee. It now awaits consideration in the full committee.

This bill represents a significant step towards streamlining nuclear regulation in the United States. By examining the changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifying areas for improvement, the NRC can enhance its processes and ensure the highest standards of safety in the nuclear industry.

Overall, the Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act proposed by Congresswoman Debbie Lesko seeks to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in nuclear regulation. It provides a framework for evaluating and implementing changes, with the ultimate goal of maintaining excellent safety standards while also ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://lesko.house.gov/2023/11/lesko-introduces-bill-to-streamline-nuclear-regulation