WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reacted today to the release of draft regulations on how to protect nuclear power reactors from aircraft impacts. The regulation fails to require that new nuclear reactors are designed to withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft.

Rep. Markey said, "The NRC failure to require reactor designs that can withstand the impact of an airliner is a glaring and dangerous decision.  This is an outrageous omission that needs to be quickly addressed."

"The NRC apparently plans to have new reactor applicants present an assessment of how their facility would handle an aircraft impact. I imagine, even with newer, smarter, designs, it is unlikely that any of these assessments will claim a ‘bounce-off' capability, despite the assurances otherwise from Chairman Klein last week," said Rep. Markey.

"This draft rule is simply an inadequate, half-hearted attempt at regulating. I hope the commissioners will strengthen this rule before it is finalized. Meanwhile, I plan to continue pushing to make my legislation, introduced with Senator Clinton, that would require new nuclear reactors to be designed to withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft, become law so these decisions cannot be left up to the whims of the NRC."

This draft final rule has been sent to the NRC Commissioners for their votes.  Depending upon the votes and changes that might be necessary as a result of those votes, the rule will either be affirmed by the Commission or republished for public comment on any changes.

 
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