FR 2025-01747

The document from the Federal Register is a notice from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) detailing the schedule for upcoming meetings as per the Sunshine Act. This notice outlines tentative dates for February and March 2025, with only one specific meeting indicated. The public meeting, set for February 6, 2025, will focus on ADVANCE Act activities. The notice emphasizes accessibility, offering accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and provides contact information for further queries.

General Summary

This notice serves to inform the public about the NRC meeting schedule for the early months of 2025. While the document lists weeks where meetings are planned or tentatively scheduled, only the February 6 meeting is explicitly detailed. The meeting will be conducted in public, providing an opportunity for interested parties to attend in person or via webcast.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable concern is the apparent lack of scheduled activities, with only one meeting explicitly planned within the timeframe mentioned. This raises questions regarding the necessity of issuing a Sunshine Act notice for such limited activity. Sunshine Act meetings are typically intended to ensure transparency in government operations, and stakeholders may wonder if the notice fulfills this purpose.

Additionally, the frequent use of "tentative" when discussing the scheduling of meetings could lead to confusion. Stakeholders who need to plan travel or accommodations might experience difficulty due to the uncertainty of the dates. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity on what constitutes "short notice" changes to the schedule, potentially leading to misunderstandings.

The document mentions that reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be made on a "case-by-case basis," but lacks specific details about how these decisions are reached. This ambiguity might concern individuals requiring such accommodations, as they would benefit from more transparent criteria and processes.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this notice primarily acts as a guide for participation and transparency in government functions related to nuclear regulation. Encouraging public involvement in meetings allows citizens to stay informed about policy discussions that may affect safety and regulatory practices surrounding nuclear energy.

However, due to the scarcity of detailed meeting activities and the tentative nature of scheduling, those interested in participating might face challenges in coordinating and planning their attendance. This may inadvertently discourage some individuals from engaging with the NRC's activities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders, including advocacy groups, industry representatives, and individuals with a keen interest in nuclear safety and regulation, the notice offers a formal opportunity to engage with the NRC. They can gain insights into the agency's priorities and initiatives, particularly regarding the ADVANCE Act.

Conversely, the limited schedule and lack of specific agenda items might hinder stakeholder preparations. Organizations that plan to contribute or respond to NRC initiatives may find it difficult to allocate resources efficiently if the number of meetings does not justify such investments.

Overall, while the notice fulfills its purpose of communicating potential meeting dates and efforts to accommodate the public, it also highlights several areas where increased transparency and detail could benefit both the NRC and its various stakeholders.