NRC Eyes Connecticut Nuclear Safety Power Shift
Published Date: 3/26/2025
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 has until April 18, 2025, to share their thoughts before the NRC makes a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
104 Licenses Move from NRC to Connecticut
The NRC would discontinue its authority over 104 licenses and transfer regulatory authority to the State of Connecticut for specific radioactive materials (byproduct materials defined in Sections 11e.(1), 11e.(3), and 11e.(4) of the Atomic Energy Act, source material, and special nuclear material in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass).
State Will Inspect As Often As NRC
Connecticut's Radioactive Materials Program has adopted an inspection schedule that provides for inspections of licensees as frequently as, or more frequently than, the inspection schedule used by the NRC.
Existing NRC Licenses Continue As Connecticut Licenses
After the Agreement's effective date, NRC-issued active radioactive materials licenses covered by the Agreement will continue in effect as Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection licenses until they expire or are replaced by State-issued licenses.
Some Activities Remain Under NRC Control
The Agreement explicitly preserves NRC authority over specified areas, including regulation of construction, operation, and decommissioning of production or utilization facilities; byproduct material defined in Section 11e.(2); export/import of byproduct/source/special nuclear material; certain waste disposals (including into the ocean); evaluation and registration of sealed sources or devices; and regulation of land disposal received from others.
Connecticut Adopts NRC-Compatible Regulations
The State of Connecticut adopted by reference relevant NRC regulations into its regulations (including 10 CFR parts 19, 20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 61, 70, 71, and 150) so that the State's rules for byproduct, source, and specified special nuclear materials are compatible with the NRC's standards.
State Program Staffing for Licensing
Connecticut indicated it will employ the equivalent of four full-time professional and technical staff to support the Radioactive Materials Program; supervisory staff each have at least 30 years of radiation protection experience.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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