Nuclear reactor and materials licensees maintained their excellent safety record again during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2014, issued today.
The report details the agency’s program and financial performance from Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014. It reflects the agency’s achievement of its safety and security strategic goals and objectives, and their related performance indicators.
The report also points out the agency’s sound financial position and full compliance with laws governing federal spending. The NRC has both sufficient funds to meet programmatic needs and adequate control of those funds. For the 11th consecutive year, an independent auditor found no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the agency’s financial statements.
The report looks back on all NRC achievements over the past year. Chief among these was the extended storage rule, approved in August. This rule allowed the agency to lift a suspension on licensing decisions for new reactors, reactor renewals, and renewals of spent fuel storage facilities. The rule addresses the potential environmental impacts from storing spent fuel onsite for an extended period after operating licenses expire.
“Every day I see the NRC staff’s dedication to achieving our safety and security goals. Their commitment is second to none and that shows in this report,” said Chairman Allison M. Macfarlane. “At the same time, we continue to do all we can to manage our resources efficiently and effectively.” A copy of the full report can be found on the NRC’s website.