Connecticut Eyes More Control Over Nuclear Materials from NRC
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is teaming up with Connecticut to review and possibly improve how the state handles nuclear safety rules. This agreement could give Connecticut more control over nuclear materials, helping keep people safe without extra costs or delays. The public can share their thoughts by April 18, 2025, so everyone has a say in this important safety update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
104 NRC Licenses Transfer to Connecticut
The NRC would discontinue its authority over 104 licenses and transfer regulatory authority for those licenses to the State of Connecticut. The Agreement states that, after the effective date of September 30, 2025, NRC-issued licenses for covered materials in Connecticut will continue in effect as Connecticut licenses until they expire or are replaced by State-issued licenses.
Connecticut Program Staffing: Four FTEs
Connecticut will staff its Radioactive Materials Program with the equivalent of four full-time professional and technical staff to support regulation of the covered materials. The NRC staff found that the identified program staff have the education, training, and experience needed and concluded the program is adequate to protect public health and safety.
State Adopts NRC Radiation Rules and Inspections
Connecticut has adopted by reference the NRC regulations in 10 CFR parts 19, 20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 61, 70, 71, and 150 into its state regulations. The State also adopted an inspection schedule that is as frequent as, or more frequent than, the NRC inspection schedule for covered licensees.
Reciprocal Recognition of Licenses
The Agreement and state regulations provide for reciprocal recognition of existing NRC and Agreement State licenses and commit the NRC and Connecticut to develop rules, regulations, and procedures to accord reciprocity. The State also provides for timely renewal procedures to minimize transition effects for licenses with renewal applications filed more than 30 days before expiration.
NRC Retains Specific Authorities
The Agreement explicitly preserves NRC authority over several areas, including: regulation of construction, operation, and decommissioning of production or utilization facilities and enrichment facilities; regulation of byproduct material defined in Section 11e.(2); import/export of covered materials; certain disposal activities (ocean/sea and other Commission-determined disposal); evaluation and registration of sealed sources and devices; and activities not exempt from Commission regulation under 10 CFR part 150.
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Key Dates
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