Key Issues
Safety & Security
Operational Safety, Plant Security and Emergency Preparedness
Operational Safety
Stringent federal regulation, automated, redundant safety systems and the industry’s commitment to comprehensive safety procedures keep nuclear power plants and their communities safe.
Personnel Training and Screening
Operators receive rigorous training and must hold valid federal licenses. All nuclear power plant staff are subject to background and criminal history checks before they are granted access to the plant.
Plant Security
Each nuclear power plant has extensive security measures in place to protect the facility from intruders. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nuclear energy industry has substantially enhanced security at nuclear plants.
Emergency Preparedness
Every nuclear power plant in the country has a detailed plan for responding in the event of an emergency. Companies test that plan regularly, with the participation of local and state emergency response organizations.
Resources and Statistics
For more information, see fact sheets, policy briefs and other resources related to nuclear plant safety and security.Viewpoints on Nuclear Energy
Helpful Links
Video
An eight-minute, streaming audio-video clip presenting the security measures in effect at nuclear power plants, including a regimen of armed guards, patrols, detection equipment, and physical barriers, as well as the design of the plant itself.
