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Nuclear Regulation: NRC's Security Clearance Program Can Be Strengthened

RCED-89-41 Published: Dec 20, 1988. Publicly Released: Mar 15, 1989.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) personnel security program and the procedures NRC uses to ensure that those who operate nuclear power plants do not threaten national security.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Nuclear Regulatory Commission To eliminate potential security risks and ensure a reliable and efficient security clearance program, the Chairman, NRC, should: (1) require periodic reinvestigations of employees holding L clearances; (2) validate and update the security clearance database; and (3) expedite a decision to issue either a policy statement or a regulation regarding unescorted access to commercial nuclear power plants.
Closed – Implemented
On April 28, 1989, NRC implemented a reinvestigation program for L clearance holders. Further, NRC has corrected and plans to continually update the security clearance database and has decided to proceed with regulations rather than a policy statement regarding access to commercial nuclear power plants.

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Topics

Energy
Classified informationEmployee dismissalIndependent regulatory commissionsInternal controlsNuclear facility securityPerformance appraisalPersonnel recruitingPersonnel security clearance programsSecurity clearancesStaff utilizationWaiversBackground investigations