Key Issues
Emergency Preparedness Near Nuclear Power Plants
<< Previous
Emergency Planning: A Prerequisite to Licensing
In 1980, Congress mandated that energy companies develop, and periodically test, a comprehensive emergency response plan for each nuclear power plant. The 1980 NRC Authorization Act strengthened and expanded the emergency preparedness requirements already imposed on nuclear plants.
In 2001, the NRC revised its emergency planning regulations for nuclear power reactors to provide states the option to use potassium iodide (KI) tablets as a secondary protective measure for the public.1 KI would supplement evacuation and sheltering in the unlikely event of a nuclear power reactor accident. If taken within several hours of exposure to radioactive iodine, KI can protect the thyroid gland. KI does not protect any other part of the body, nor does it protect against any other radioactive element.
Emergency response plans have a very broad reach, involving at least 200 people at each nuclear power plant. Local, state and NRC officials also are included in the company’s plan and participate in periodic exercises to demonstrate the plan’s viability.
No U.S. nuclear power plant can operate without an approved and tested emergency response plan. REPP must review and provide a recommendation to the NRC regarding the reasonable assurance that state and local emergency response plans can protect public health and safety.
1 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission final rule, “Consideration of Potassium Iodide in Emergency Plans” (66 Federal Register 5427, Jan. 19, 2001).
Emergency Planning: A Prerequisite to Licensing
In 1980, Congress mandated that energy companies develop, and periodically test, a comprehensive emergency response plan for each nuclear power plant. The 1980 NRC Authorization Act strengthened and expanded the emergency preparedness requirements already imposed on nuclear plants.
In 2001, the NRC revised its emergency planning regulations for nuclear power reactors to provide states the option to use potassium iodide (KI) tablets as a secondary protective measure for the public.1 KI would supplement evacuation and sheltering in the unlikely event of a nuclear power reactor accident. If taken within several hours of exposure to radioactive iodine, KI can protect the thyroid gland. KI does not protect any other part of the body, nor does it protect against any other radioactive element.
Emergency response plans have a very broad reach, involving at least 200 people at each nuclear power plant. Local, state and NRC officials also are included in the company’s plan and participate in periodic exercises to demonstrate the plan’s viability.
No U.S. nuclear power plant can operate without an approved and tested emergency response plan. REPP must review and provide a recommendation to the NRC regarding the reasonable assurance that state and local emergency response plans can protect public health and safety.
1 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission final rule, “Consideration of Potassium Iodide in Emergency Plans” (66 Federal Register 5427, Jan. 19, 2001).
