Agency Activities in Response to a Portion of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act
Section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA), signed into law on January 14, 2019, required the NRC to provide a report to Congress identifying best practices for establishing and operating local community advisory boards to foster communication and information exchange between a decommissioning licensee and the local community.
On July 1, 2020, the NRC submitted its final report on Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of Local Community Advisory Boards Associated with Decommissioning Activities at Nuclear Power Plants:
The report includes:
- a description of the type of topics that could be brought before a community advisory board;
- how the board's input could inform the decision-making process of stakeholders for various decommissioning activities;
- how the board could interact with the NRC and other Federal regulatory bodies to promote dialogue between the licensee and affected stakeholders; and
- how the board could offer opportunities for public engagement throughout all phases of the decommissioning process.
The report also includes a discussion of the composition of existing community advisory boards and best practices identified during the establishment and operation of such boards, including logistical considerations, frequency of meetings, and the selection of board members.
Public Participation
In developing a best practices report, and as required by NEIMA, the NRC consulted with host States, communities within the emergency planning zone of a nuclear power reactor, and existing local community advisory boards. This consultation included 11 public meetings held in locations that ensured geographic diversity across the United States, with priority given to States that (i) had a nuclear power reactor currently undergoing the decommissioning process; and (ii) requested a public meeting under this provision of NEIMA. At these meetings, the public was invited to participate by providing comments and asking questions.
Summaries for each of the meetings, including transcripts, can be found below:
- August 21, 2019 – Palisades (Michigan)
- August 26, 2019 – Humboldt Bay (California)
- August 27, 2019 – Diablo Canyon (California)
- August 29, 2019 – San Onofre (California)
- September 10, 2019 – Vermont Yankee (Vermont)
- September 11, 2019 – Pilgrim (Massachusetts)
- September 24, 2019 – Kewaunee (Wisconsin)
- September 26, 2019 – Zion (Illinois)
- October 2, 2019 – Indian Point (New York)
- October 3, 2019 – Oyster Creek (New Jersey)
- October 10, 2019 – Crystal River (Florida)
The NRC staff also conducted a webinar on Thursday, August 8, 2019, to give individuals in other areas of the country an opportunity to provide comments. View the NEIMA Section 108 Webinar Meeting Summary. Watch the NEIMA Section 108 Webinar.
The NRC staff conducted a second webinar on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, to provide an additional opportunity for public comments for individuals located in other areas of the country or those who were unable to attend one of the 11 public meetings. View the NEIMA Section 108 Webinar Slides.
On September 27, 2019, a Federal Register notice was issued (84 FR 51189) requesting comments on best practices and lessons learned associated with CABs at decommissioning nuclear power reactors. Public comments were received through December 6, 2019 (84 FR 63686).
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, October 27, 2021