FR 2025-05468

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has placed a request to renew an existing information collection program called the "Tribal Participation in the Advance Notification Program" with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The goal is to continue allowing federally recognized Indian Tribes to receive information about certain shipments of nuclear material that travel through their lands. This renewal request invites public comment, which must be submitted by April 30, 2025.

General Summary

The document outlines a proposal to extend an existing program by which Indian Tribes can receive advance notifications of nuclear material shipments that pass through or near their reservations. The NRC is tasked with ensuring these notifications are handled properly, training Tribal officials in safeguarding sensitive information. The document invites public comment on this renewed information collection process via an online portal.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document raises several concerns, primarily revolving around its lack of clarity and technical language which may not be accessible to all potential stakeholders. Terms like "SGI handling" and "affirmatively opt into" may confuse those unfamiliar with the intricacies of nuclear regulation. Moreover, the document does not outline the benefits or outcomes expected from continued tribal participation, which can make it difficult for stakeholders and the public to understand its importance.

Further, the efficiency of the information collection process is questionable. The requirement for updating information either every five years or when circumstances change, like new transportation routes, suggests an arduous process that could potentially be streamlined. There is also ambiguity regarding what happens if a Tribe chooses not to participate, which is crucial for understanding the full reach and impact of the program.

Impact on the Public

The public broadly, though possibly not directly affected, would benefit from a clear disclosure of how the program ensures safety in nuclear material transportation. Improved understanding could foster public trust in the NRC's ability to manage and safeguard nuclear materials.

Given the role of the Tribes in this notification system, the document's vague approach to detailing the necessity and results of the program could lead to public skepticism, especially if federal resources are involved with perceived efficiency and clarity gaps.

Impact on Stakeholders

For federally recognized Indian Tribes, this program provides an opportunity to have greater control over nuclear shipments affecting their reservations. However, without thorough clarity on benefits and processes, Tribes might be wary of committing time and resources. These communities would benefit from a straightforward understanding of how participation impacts their safety and autonomy.

Meanwhile, the NRC and related agencies dealing with nuclear materials are stakeholders keen on efficient, transparent, and legally compliant systems for managing communication. Any inefficiencies in the current setup could reflect poorly on their regulatory capabilities and might prompt scrutiny of government spending on bureaucratic processes.

In conclusion, while the goal of informing and protecting Indian Tribes is commendable, clearer communication and streamlined procedures are necessary. This would improve both the program's efficiency and its reception by stakeholders and the broader public.