Electricity Supply: What Can Be Done to Revive the Nuclear Option?
RCED-89-67
Published: Mar 23, 1989. Publicly Released: Apr 27, 1989.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO studied the future of nuclear power, focusing on: (1) problems preventing new initiatives in commercial nuclear power; (2) actions which could revive nuclear power; and (3) the status of government and industry efforts to revitalize the use of nuclear power.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should review the nuclear option within the broad context of the nation's energy security concerns and the changing nature of the electric utility industry. As it reviews the nation's nuclear energy policy, Congress should consider enacting legislation to reform the licensing process into a more predictable procedure and promoting utilities' use of NRC-preapproved standardized designs. It could also reevaluate the goals and objectives of existing federal nuclear research and development efforts. |
Closed – Implemented
|
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 reforms the nuclear plant licensing process by allowing NRC to issue a combined construction and operating license if the applicant meets certain standards. To date, no utilities have applied for a new plant license. |
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Cost effectiveness analysisElectric utilitiesEnergy legislationEnergy researchEnergy suppliesFacility managementNuclear energyNuclear powerplant safetyPolicy evaluationPublic opinion polls