NRC releases final version of Yucca Mountain Review Plan

On July 22, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission released the final version of the Yucca Mountain Review Plan, which NRC will use to guide its evaluation of the expected Energy Department application to construct and operate the high-level radioactive waste repository slated for Nevada's Yucca Mountain.

The final NRC plan can be found at www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/ staff/sr1804.

In March, in response to a Department of Energy request, the NRC had released a draft version of the plan, so that the department could use it in the development of its license
application.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, although the energy department must apply to the NRC for a license to build and operate the high-level radioactive waste repository, DOE is responsible for the design and construction of the facility. NRC expects the DOE application by the end of 2004.

In related news, on July 18, President Bush nominated John Grossenbacher to serve on the NRC. Grossenbacher, who has served in the U.S. Navy since 1970, is currently commander of the U.S. Submarine Forces in the Atlantic. He previously commanded Submarine Squadron Eight and served as the deputy executive assistant to the chief of Naval Operations.

If Grossenbacher is confirmed by the Senate, Bush intends to name him as chairman of the commission to replace former chairman Richard Meserve, who resigned to take a new position. More information can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/07/
20030718-9.html.

For more information, contact Francis Dietz at dietzf@asme.org.

Public involvement in decision making viewed at National Academies

Improving public participation in environmental assessment and decision making is the subject of a recently begun, 20-month task being undertaken by the National Academies of Science and Engineering.

The Academies' Public Participation in Environmental Assessment and Decision Making Panel will oversee the task, which has been divided into three phases. First, the panel will examine the growing amount of literature on public participation, and will develop variables, outcomes and hypotheses that test the effectiveness of that participation.

The panel will then commission a small number of case studies of public involvement in environmental assessments or decisions. Finally, if funding is provided, the panel will compile a report offering advice on how agencies can more effectively solicit and obtain public participation. Public workshops will be held during each of the three phases.

Federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, increasingly seek the public's views as they develop policies and make decisions. However, these agencies are concerned that only certain segments of the public participate. And, as a result, gaps exist in the perspectives provided.

More information on the project is at http://qp.nas.edu/publicparticipation, or by contacting Deborah Johnson at djohnson@nas.edu.

— Melissa Murray
ASME Government Relations

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