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Safety & Security

Emergency Preparedness

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Operational Safety

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Plant Security

QUOTABLE:

"The American people should have full confidence that the United States has rigorous safety regulations in place to ensure that our nuclear power is generated safely and responsibly."

—Energy Secretary Steven Chu
March 15, 2011

Key Issues

Safety & Security

The nation’s nuclear power plants are among the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the United States. Multiple layers of physical security, together with high levels of operational performance, protect plant workers, the public and the environment.

Operational Safety, Plant Security and Emergency Preparedness

U.S. nuclear plants are well-designed, operated by trained personnel, defended against attack and prepared in the event of an emergency.

	Emergency Preparedness
	Every nuclear power plant in the country has a detailed plan for responding in the event of an emergency. Operators test that plan regularly, with the participation of local and state emergency response organizations.

	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.

Video

Safe and Secure: Protecting Our Nuclear Energy Facilities

A six-minute video highlights security operations at nuclear power plants, including patrols by armed guards, detection equipment, physical barriers – and the design of the plant itself.

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What Are Opinion Leaders Saying About the Nuclear Industry?

Find out what policymakers and experts are saying about the nuclear industry given the events at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.

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