Wyoming requests semi-authority in regulating internal radioactive materials

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently evaluating a request from Wyoming Gov. Matthew Mead that would make it the 38th state to adopt some of the NRC’s regulatory authority over radioactive materials.

Licensing, rulemaking, inspection, and enforcement linked to the extraction and concentration of both uranium and thorium milling, as well as the oversight and disposal of milling waste could potentially be given to the state. To arrange this, the NRC would transfer 14 licenses for radioactive material currently operating in Wyoming’s borders. Wyoming would not, however, gain any authority over federal agencies using certain nuclear materials or other nuclear materials regulated by the NRC.

The request is being evaluated on Wyoming’s ability to protect public health and safety adequately. While under consideration, public comments are also being welcomed, with the proposed agreement, the request and the NRC draft staff assessment all made available for education on the issue.