Sanger's Review - http://www.y2kreview.com/

Tuesday, March 9, 1999

speakers at Capitol Hill symposium criticize NRC handling of nuclear plant Y2K safety ...

-- Anonymous, March 10, 1999

Answers

I was at this symposium. It was a very interesting and eclectic (but non-confrontational) mix of both pro and anti-nuclear power groups. Y2k impact on nuclear energy was discussed in the morning session, and nuclear weaponry in the afternoon. NRC, NEI (pro) and NIRS, UCS (anti) and quite a few other groups participated.

Some time over the next few days, I'm going to transcribe my notes and post in this forum. For the moment, suffice it to say that the symposium was not the "tree-hugging" event that was portrayed in the press.

For those of you new to the euy2k.com forum, let me go on record as stating that I am a strong advocate of nuclear power. I worked in the nuclear industry most of my adult life, and believe in both the technology and the people who operate the plants. However, I'm also a strong advocate for the proper regulation of the industry, and I believe that the NRC has become increasingly lax in it's charge to oversee the industry over the last several years.

There are many reasons, but two come immediately to mind:

• Budget cuts, ergo, attrition / layoffs / program cuts at NRC
• Intense lobbying and direct involvement in regulatory issues and rule making by industry associations.

It is my impression that the NRC is trying to do its job on Y2k, but is meeting with enormous pressure from the nuclear industry.

More to come.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 1999