FR 2020-29195

The document under consideration outlines a notice from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding a proposed information collection initiative. This involves the submission of a new form, NRC Form 446, which is essential for non-government personnel seeking approval for official international travel linked to the NRC's activities. This regulatory step appears crucial for ensuring that all necessary approvals from the U.S. Department of State are in place before such travel is undertaken. Stakeholders and the public were invited to provide comments by February 5, 2021, which emphasizes the importance of public engagement in refining and implementing regulatory processes.

General Summary

The primary goal of NRC Form 446 is to streamline and formalize the process by which non-government personnel can request and gain approval for official foreign travel associated with NRC tasks. The notice highlights fundamental details about the proposed form, including its necessity, the number of responses expected annually (which is notably low at just one response), and the processing requirements. These points imply that the form is designed more for specific, potentially rare situations rather than routine use.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several notable issues arise from this notice. First and foremost, the estimated number of annual responses and respondents set at one each raises questions about the initiative's scope and cost-effectiveness. It is unclear if the form will address a current underestimation of need or if it is overly narrow in its applicability, which might limit its usefulness.

Moreover, the document is repetitive in how it presents the ways to obtain information and submit comments, which might obfuscate rather than clarify the process for stakeholders. Additionally, while the term "non-Government personnel" is used, there is no clear definition or guidance on who precisely falls under this category, nor on the exact circumstances that necessitate the completion of this form.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document itself might not have an immediate or direct impact, as it appears to cater more towards professionals or entities engaged with the NRC but not directly employed by the government. However, for those involved, including researchers, consultants, or industry experts engaging in international collaborations, understanding and complying with this requirement could become a critical component of their work.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders such as private-sector professionals, academic researchers, or experts in the nuclear regulatory sphere may be directly impacted by this form. It could add a layer of bureaucracy that might delay travel plans. Conversely, it provides a formal pathway to ensure that international engagements align with both NRC regulatory requirements and U.S. foreign policy, safeguarding against unauthorized activities that might contravene national interests.

In conclusion, while this proposed information collection process via NRC Form 446 is designed to enhance compliance and coordination for specific non-governmental entities, clarity in its implementation and the rationale behind its limited scope would be beneficial. Streamlining the document to enhance understanding and engagement from interested parties, alongside a definitive operational framework, would allow stakeholders to better navigate the proposed changes.