U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Are you passionate about ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of nuclear reactors? Don’t miss our hybrid “Workshop on Structural Materials: Research for 80 Years and Beyond,” Oct.1-4. This event will dive deep into the latest understanding of passive systems, structures, and components in light water reactors operating beyond 80 years. Attendees can play a key role in identifying research needs to enhance aging management programs, with a focus on new research topics related to aging effects and mitigation. Discussions will include metallic and concrete degradation and concrete harvesting. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of nuclear safety! Attendance is free, but you must register at: https://lnkd.in/eN6WfmTK

We held our held our 5th public workshop on data science and artificial intelligence in the nuclear industry and regulation last week. It was a full day of activities, including presentations from industry representatives about how AI is being used to promote efficiency and enhance safety in facility maintenance as well as clean up during decommissioning. A highlight was a “fireside chat,” hosted by Victor Hall of our Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, which included our Chief Intelligence Officer Scott Flanders (that’s him on the far right) and colleagues from other federal agencies discussing observations on AI training, deployment, evaluation and policy. You can see the presentations here: https://lnkd.in/eZbkjHWB

Today we celebrated the completion of our independent safety review of the propulsion plant for the U.S. Navy’s newest ballistic missile submarine, the Columbia Class. It reflects our long relationship with the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. Chair Hanson recognized the work of 25 members of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards and NRC staff. The Director of Naval Reactors, Admiral William Houston, recognized 12 Naval Reactors personnel. Joining the event were NRC Commissioners Wright, Caputo and Crowell, Naval Reactors Deputy Director Chuck Taylor and NRC Executive Director for Operations Mirela Gavrilas and Andrea Veil, head of our Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. 

Check out the latest NRC By The Numbers!  

Finding the best way to regulate – without stifling innovation or over-burdening industry – has been a challenge since the start. In the early ‘90s, we began implementing regulations based on a risk-informed and performance-based approach using quantitative data and measures of risk to evaluate safety performance criteria. A first early step was the Maintenance Rule, implemented in 1996. The new rule was simple -- licensees had to establish a maintenance program, collect data, assess the program’s performance and then apply the results. The rule paved the way for probabilistic approaches that identified the most effective ways to improve safety. In 2000, the Reactor Oversight Process was another step forward, creating risk-informed oversight of nuclear power plant performance. Based on objective measures of safety, the ROP provides clarity to licensees and the public as to what constitutes good plant performance and what can be expected from the NRC if performance declines. #50YearsOfNRC

Calling all higher ed students! We’re accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Internship Program! This is a great opportunity to learn a lot, earn some money, contribute to our mission– and maybe even land permanent employment after graduation. We’re looking for students in a variety of disciplines including STEM, business, emergency management, international affairs, IT, graphic design, and more. Opportunities are available at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, as well as our four regional offices and our training center in Tennessee. Find more information at: https://lnkd.in/e8G5ihYU #NRCHires

Sometimes, our inspectors get to change up their routine to help international regulators get a closer look at what we do. Such was the case recently at the shutdown Indian Point nuclear plant, in New York. Inspectors from our Region I and experts in decommissioning from our HQ gave a tour and talked about their experiences with a delegation from the Korean Institute of Nuclear Safety. We’re working closely with our Korean counterparts to share what we’ve learned as the first Korean nuclear plants undergo decommissioning. During the visit, we demonstrated our on-site regulatory activities, particularly related to decontamination, site restoration, radiological surveys and waste management. By sharing our experiences, we’re benefitting our close partners as they conduct their own decommissioning work.

Exciting news from Phoenix! Some of our amazing NRC staff took the stage at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting to share their expertise on the vital role of human factors in the nuclear industry. A special shoutout to S. Camille Peres, who joined us in January 2024, for being inducted as the new HFES President and for receiving the Oliver Keith Hansen Outreach Award for her work raising awareness about human factors and ergonomics. Camille, with Amy D'Agostino, shared their experiences as research scientists and practitioners, while Niav Hughes Green and Stephanie Morrow discussed safety and risk management in remote operations across industries like nuclear and space exploration. We’re proud of our team for representing the NRC on this national stage!

Our Chair Hanson is #OnTheRoad to Vienna this week attending the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference. He joins several thousand delegates, including regulators from around the world and U.S. officials from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of State. Throughout the week, he’s been busy signing bilateral agreements, meeting with counterparts and hosting an informal reception. Plus, participating in a U.S. Policymakers’ Roundtable discussion. Throughout, he’s been emphasizing our continued support for Ukraine, and his vision for enhancing international cooperation on nuclear safety and security.

As an agency with safety in its mission statement, it’s no surprise that we also take virtual safety seriously. In honor of #ITProfessionalsDay, we’d like to introduce one of the army of folks we have making sure our cyber processes are secure and our data remain protected. Blair Thomas is an IT Specialist (INFOSEC) in our Office of the Chief Information Officer. She’s just been with us for about six weeks, but she’s already a valuable member of a team offering cybersecurity advice and guidance to the managers of systems that power what we do -- everything from communication to accounting. She blends a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Towson University with a passion for writing and communication and puts it to work in support of our mission. She is one of hundreds of IT specialists (both federal workers and contractors) who help us do our important job every day. #NRCHires