U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Proposed Tribal Policy Statement National Tribal Air Association February 26, 2015 Michelle Ryan, Intergovernmental Liaison Kevin O’Sullivan, Intergovernmental Liaison 1
Who We Are The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was established by The Energy Reorganization Act of Independently regulates commercial uses of nuclear material, including nuclear power; and Headed by five Commissioners 2
Who We Are The Commission as a whole: formulates policies and regulations governing nuclear reactor and materials safety; issues orders to licensees; and adjudicates legal matters brought before it The President designates one member of the Commission to serve as Chairman and official spokesperson. 3
The NRC Regulates: Nuclear reactors – commercial power reactors, research and test reactors, new reactor designs; Nuclear materials – radioactive materials for medical, industrial and academic use; Nuclear waste – transportation, storage and disposal of nuclear material and waste, decommissioning of nuclear facilities; and Nuclear security – physical security of nuclear facilities and materials from sabotage or attacks. 4
NRC at Work 5
What We Don’t Do: Regulate nuclear weapons, military reactors or space vehicle reactors. (These are regulated by other federal agencies.) Lobby for nuclear power. (The nation’s nuclear agenda is set by the President and the Congress.) Own or operate nuclear power plants. 6
Tribal Policy Development COMWDM , “Tribal Consultation Policy Statement and Protocol,” dated May 22, Directed staff to develop a draft policy statement and protocol on NRC consultations with Native American Tribal governments. 7
Tribal Policy Development December 1, 2014 Federal Register Notices –Solicit Comments on Proposed Tribal Policy Statement; –Solicit Comments on NRC Tribal Protocol Manual; and –Comment Period closes May 31,
Proposed Tribal Policy Statement Policy Principles The NRC Recognizes the Federal Trust Relationship and Will Uphold its Trust Relationship with Indian Tribes. The NRC Recognizes and Is Committed to a Government-to-Government Relationship with Indian Tribes. The NRC Will Conduct Outreach to Indian Tribes. 9
Proposed Tribal Policy Statement Policy Principles The NRC Will Engage in Timely Consultation. The NRC Will Coordinate with Other Federal Agencies. The NRC Will Encourage Participation by State-Recognized Tribes. 10
Submitting Comments Details can be found online at: orhttp:// at (Docket ID NRC ). Submit Comments Online: – Mail Comments to: –Cindy Bladey, chief, Rules, Announcements, and Directives Branch, Office of Administration, –Mail Stop: 3WFN-06-44M, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
Additional Information The NRC places a high priority on keeping the public and stakeholders informed of its activities. At you can: Find public meeting dates and transcripts; Read NRC testimony, speeches, press releases and policy decisions; and Access the agency’s Electronic Reading Room to find NRC publications and documents. 12
Contact Us Intergovernmental Liaison Resources Michelle Ryan –