Lessons Learned from the NRC’s Growth and Contraction

Over the Past Decade

1st NNR Regulatory Information Conference

5-7 October 2016

William M. ‘Bill’ Dean Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Outline

• Nuclear energy in the United States

• NRC mission

• The NRC’s 2005 vs. 2014 environment

• Project AIM

• Lessons Learned

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NRC’s History and Mission

• Atomic Energy Commission established in 1946

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission established in 1974 as an independent regulatory agency.

• Our mission:

– Regulate the civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

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NRC’s Environment: 2005 vs. 2014 • In 2005, projected surge in work related to new

reactor and fuel cycle applications, geological repository licensing and more

• Growth in staff from 2,735 in 2000 to a peak of 3,956 in 2011

• By 2014, new realities:

– Global economic downtown

– Low natural gas prices

– Change in nuclear waste policy

– Fukushima Daiichi accident

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Project AIM

• Project AIM was launched in 2014 to improve the Agency’s effectiveness, efficiency, and agility in 5 years.

• The staff recommended several changes:

– “Right-sizing”

– Streamlining processes to use resources more wisely

– Improving timeliness in regulatory decision-making

– Promoting clearer agencywide priorities

• Staffing is decreasing

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Lessons Learned

• Ensure your organization has the right number of people with the right skills at the right time. Balance existing resources with future expectations.

• Engage internal and external stakeholders, including the public, early in the process. Maintain transparency and solicit feedback.

• Maintain primary focus on safety and security mission.

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NRC Web site: www.nrc.gov

NRC 2016-2017

Information Digest: ADAMS Accession No.

ML16243A018

Thank you for your attention!

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