FR 2024-30545

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a call for public comments on a proposed information collection titled "Requests for Reasonable Accommodations from Non-Federal Entities." This initiative involves collecting data from non-federal job applicants who seek specific modifications or accommodations related to their employment applications. The public is invited to share their thoughts on whether this information is essential, whether the process is burdensome, and how it might be improved or streamlined, particularly through automation. Comments need to be submitted by February 21, 2025, primarily through the designated Federal rulemaking website.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable gap in the document is the absence of information regarding the potential costs associated with the collection and analysis of these data. Without such estimates, stakeholders may worry about unnecessary or wasteful spending. Furthermore, the document does not clearly outline any penalties or follow-up procedures for entities or individuals who fail to comply with this data collection request, which could make the impact and enforcement of the request unclear.

The document also lacks a clear definition of what constitutes a "reasonable accommodation." This lack of specificity might lead to various interpretations, resulting in inconsistent application among different entities. Additionally, the instructions for submitting comments could be improved. There is a caution about not including personal identifying information when commenting, but the language used may not be easily understandable to everyone, which could deter public participation.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly for non-federal job applicants, the collection could represent a positive step in ensuring more inclusive and equitable hiring practices. However, the ambiguity around what qualifies as a reasonable accommodation might lead to confusion or distrust if applicants feel their needs are being inconsistently addressed.

By seeking public comments, the NRC indicates a commitment to refining its processes through wider input, but the public’s understanding and engagement could be limited if concerns about cost and definition are not adequately addressed.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Potentially impacted stakeholders include non-federal job applicants, employers required to handle these accommodation requests, and advocacy groups focused on workplace equality. For applicants, clearer guidance on reasonable accommodations could empower them to better articulate their needs. Employers, on the other hand, might face challenges in implementing these collection processes if there is a lack of clarity and an unclear framework.

If successfully implemented, this information collection could lead to improved workplace accessibility and fairness, ultimately benefiting advocacy groups who focus on enhancing the rights of individuals in the workplace. However, to gain this benefit, these groups might need to engage actively in providing feedback during the comment period to ensure that their perspectives are considered.

In conclusion, while the intentions behind the NRC’s proposal are commendable, some critical areas require clarification and public engagement to ensure the program’s success and relevance for all involved stakeholders.