Nuclear Regulatory Commission January 10, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On October 13, 2010 (75 FR 62695), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission) published for public comment a proposed rule to amend its security regulations in title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) part 73 pertaining to the transport of irradiated reactor fuel (for purposes of this rulemaking, the terms ``irradiated reactor fuel'' and ``spent nuclear fuel'' (SNF) are used interchangeably). This proposed rule would establish generically applicable security requirements similar to those previously imposed by Commission orders issued after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The proposed rule would establish the acceptable performance standards and objectives for the protection of spent nuclear fuel shipments from theft, diversion, or radiological sabotage. The proposed amendments would apply to those licensees authorized to possess or transport spent nuclear fuel. The proposed security requirements would also address, in part, a petition for rulemaking from the State of Nevada (PRM-73-10) that requests that NRC strengthen the regulations governing the security of spent nuclear fuel shipments against malevolent acts. The public comment period for this proposed rule was scheduled to expire on January 11, 2011. The NRC has determined that additional time is needed for public review of the potential impacts of the proposed requirements. In order to allow the public sufficient time to review and comment on the proposed rule, the NRC has decided to extend the comment period until April 11, 2011.