FR 2025-01366

The document is a notice from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding public meetings scheduled under the Sunshine Act for the early months of 2025. These meetings are intended to inform and involve the public in the NRC's activities, maintaining transparency as required by law.

General Summary

The NRC has outlined the schedule for its public meetings in early 2025. Excluding the week of February 3, during which a meeting is scheduled for the 6th, no meetings will occur over several weeks: January 20, January 27, February 10, February 17, and February 24. The February 6 meeting will address ADVANCE Act activities and will take place in Rockville, Maryland. This meeting will also be accessible through a live webcast, allowing broader public participation.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The notice raises a few issues worth considering:

• Ambiguity in Accommodation: The document indicates that the NRC provides "reasonable accommodation" for individuals with disabilities. However, it lacks specific criteria about what constitutes a "reasonable" accommodation, potentially leading to inconsistencies or misunderstandings about what support attendees can expect.

• Case-by-Case Decisions: Determinations regarding these accommodations will be made on a "case-by-case basis." Without a clear framework, there may be perceptions of bias or inconsistencies in how such decisions are approached.

• Meeting Schedule Changes: The document underscores that the meeting schedule is "subject to change on short notice.” Frequent or abrupt changes could pose difficulties for stakeholders seeking to attend, particularly those who might need to plan travel or arrange for accommodations.

• Repetitive Contact Information: Contact information for receiving notices electronically is repeated with different points of contact. This might create confusion about whom to contact for specific queries, undermining efficient communication.

Impact on the Public

Broadly speaking, the NRC's announcement is essential for individuals or organizations interested in nuclear regulatory activities. Offering a webcast of the meeting helps enhance public accessibility, allowing individuals from various regions to participate without needing to travel. This approach aligns with efforts to ensure transparency and public involvement in government activities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders with Disabilities: The inclusive language about accommodations is positive, but the ambiguity concerning what support will be provided could create uncertainty for those requiring assistance. Clearer guidelines could improve confidence in attending NRC meetings.

Regular Participants and Stakeholders: For frequent attendees like advocacy groups or industry representatives, the potential for changes in the meeting schedule could be inconvenient. These stakeholders benefit from predictable scheduling to participate meaningfully in discussions and influence decision-making processes.

Overall, while the NRC has taken steps to ensure that their activities are open to public oversight, clearer communication and consistency in their policies would mitigate the concerns noted and enhance stakeholder confidence and engagement.