FR 2021-03108

The document titled "Sunshine Act Meetings," published on February 16, 2021, by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), outlines the Commission's meeting schedule for specific weeks in early 2021. Only one public meeting is scheduled to take place during this period, an Affirmation Session on February 18, 2021. The session includes a briefing on Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Employment, and Small Business. Notably, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this session will be conducted remotely with public access provided through a webcast. No other meetings are scheduled for the weeks of February 22 through March 22, 2021.

Summary of the Document

The document succinctly informs stakeholders and the public about the scheduled NRC meetings over a five-week span. The key meeting involves affirmations on two issues: the Holtec International interim storage facility and an appeal by DTE Electric Co. regarding a license amendment. It highlights accessibility changes due to the pandemic, emphasizing remote viewing options for the public. The information provides contact points for further inquiries and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusiveness.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise upon reviewing the document:

1. Clarity and Simplification: The document contains redundant language, particularly evident in references to accessing the webcast and the repetition of pandemic-related attendance instructions. Simplifying this could enhance clarity.

2. Context for Case References: Legal references such as "LBP-20-6" and "LBP-20-7" are mentioned without context, which could confuse readers unfamiliar with these specific cases. Adding brief explanations could improve understanding.

3. Format and Accessibility: URLs are included as text without hyperlinks, which may hinder easy access to further information for some readers. Active links or easier navigation cues could facilitate better engagement.

4. Repetitive Contact Information: Contact details are presented multiple times, which might be streamlined to make the document more concise.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the main impact is informational, offering transparency into NRC proceedings and decision-making processes during a time riddled with disruptions due to COVID-19. While the shift to webcasts may limit in-person participation, it reflects an adaptation to maintain public engagement and involvement from a distance.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Several stakeholders may experience distinct impacts:

• NRC Employees and Commission Members: The remote setup might require technical adjustments and coordination to ensure successful meeting execution and public participation.

• Legal Professionals and Affected Organizations: For parties directly involved in the cases discussed, such as Holtec International and DTE Electric Co., these affirmations could have significant legal implications, affecting operations or regulatory compliance.

• Public Interest Groups: Organizations like the Sierra Club, named in the appeal, have opportunities to advance their positions via these public platforms, though they must adapt to the webcast format.

Overall, the document serves its purpose of maintaining transparency and providing necessary procedural information to the stakeholders interested in NRC activities, while also adjusting to the circumstances imposed by the pandemic.