FR 2021-01689

The document from the Federal Register outlines the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) meeting schedule for early 2021 under the Sunshine Act. It announces planned meeting dates and subjects, emphasizing the virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions. Specifically, it notes that no meetings are scheduled for the weeks of January 25, February 1, February 22, and March 1. However, public meetings are scheduled for February 11 and February 18. These will address the regulatory framework for dry cask storage of nuclear fuel and related research, as well as discussions on equal employment opportunity and small business considerations.

Issues and Concerns

A notable issue with the document is the lack of detailed agendas or specific objectives for the meetings. While it mentions the topics to be discussed, the absence of detailed descriptions may lead to uncertainty about the meetings' purpose and anticipated outcomes. Individuals interested in these issues might find themselves lacking clarity on what the discussions will entail and thus may not be prepared to provide input or fully understand the implications of the meeting conversations.

Additionally, the document specifies that the meetings are open to the public; however, due to COVID-19, there is no physical attendance allowed. Instead, the public can attend via webcast. This change to a virtual format, while necessary for safety reasons, might limit participation for those without reliable internet access or those not technologically inclined. The shift in format could potentially exclude parts of the population from participating in these important regulatory discussions.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

This document mainly impacts specific stakeholders, including those in the nuclear energy sector, environmental advocates, and organizations focused on equal employment opportunities and small business interests. By providing a platform for discussion on subjects such as the storage of spent nuclear fuel and employment rights, the NRC is ensuring these stakeholders have opportunities to contribute their perspectives and stay informed on regulatory developments.

The general public may be affected less directly, as the topics are specialized and may not resonate with those outside the relevant fields. However, public policy decisions made by the NRC can have widespread implications, including on public safety and environmental standards, affecting broader societal welfare. With the transition to virtual meetings, the inclusivity of public participation could be compromised, thereby impacting the ability of the public to engage with, and influence, important regulatory conversations.

Positive and Negative Impacts

Positively, the NRC's adherence to the Sunshine Act and its transparency regarding meeting schedules and topics demonstrates a commitment to openness and public involvement, even amidst pandemic-related limitations. Making meetings accessible online ensures continuity of regulatory discussions and enables real-time engagement from stakeholders across different regions.

On the negative side, the lack of a physical meeting space restricts those who either prefer or require in-person interaction to facilitate effective communication and understanding. While virtual meetings are a necessary adaptation during the pandemic, they could pose challenges for individuals with disabilities or those who are less comfortable with digital platforms. Although the document mentions accommodations for people with disabilities, the process for requesting these accommodations is not detailed, potentially creating barriers for individuals needing assistance.

Overall, while the document ensures regulatory business continues during challenging times, it highlights the need for more detailed communication and support mechanisms to ensure robust public engagement and accessibility for all interested parties.