GAO releases report on Nuclear Regulatory Commission fee collection methods

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its review last week of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) budget development process and fee collection methods.

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce requested the report in June 2015 as part of their oversight of NRC.

“NRC’s fee rule and supporting documents did not clearly present the information that stakeholders need in order to understand fee calculations and provide substantive comments to the agency,” GAO said. “Until NRC clearly defines and consistently uses key terms, provides complete calculations and explanations for
the fees, and ensure the accuracy of its fee and work papers, industry stakeholders’ understanding of the NRC’s fee calculations may remain limited.”

In response to GAO’s report, committee members Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), introduced the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy (NUKE) Act. The bill would provide financial certainty for NRC licensees, improve the efficiency of the NRC’s licensing and regulatory processes and direct an examination of requirements that may prevent the growth of nuclear energy.
“The NUKE Act will create more certainty for nuclear plant operations, without compromising safety, and encourage greater investment for the next generation of nuclear power,” Kinzinger said. “I’m excited to introduce this bipartisan legislation today as we take steps to make the regulatory process more efficient and transparent. Nuclear power is incredibly important for the district I represent, and for the country.”