Nuclear Power Regulation: Japan and US compared

United States

Policies

Civilian Use

Atomic Energy Act of 1954

The Atomic Energy Act governs both military and civilian uses of nuclear materials and facilities and gives the NRC the power to enforce and provide standards for these uses. It provides the regulation for these uses and demands a civilian license for them. This policy declares that atomic energy shall only be used to either, improve the general welfare, promote world peace, strengthen competition and private enterprise, or to raise the standard of living. “The Commission may deem necessary or desirable In order to protect health and safety and minimize danger to life or property.

Reorganization Plans of 1970

Established the US Environmental Protection Agency and gave it a role in establishing generally applicable environmental standards for the protection of the general environment from radioactive material” Reorganization Plan No.1 (1980) strengthened the role of the NRC in terms of policy formation and rulemaking.

Energy Reorganization Act of 1974

The Energy Reorganization Act split the functions of the Atomic Energy Commission into two programs; the Department of Energy and the NRC. Through this Act the NRC was given responsibility of all regulations while the DOE was given oversight for the development of nuclear weapons and promotion of nuclear power.

Nuclear Waste

Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act states that it is the job and responsibility of the federal government to create a place for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. It also emphasizes that while it is the government’s responsibility to provide a place for the waste, it is the financial responsibility of the generators for this disposal.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985

This act declares that it’s the State’s responsibility to manage low-level radioactive waste in their states. This must be regulated by the NRC and allows them to form contracts with other states to have one facility for multiple states by which the NRC must also approve. Lastly, it requires the NRC to establish standers for radionuclides present in waste streams within the states.

Japan