Concepts, problems, and issues in developing safety goals and objectives for commercial nuclear power

Abstract

The Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 called for a statement of the short- and long-range goals, priorities, and plans of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as they relate to the benefits, costs, and risks of commercial nuclear power. Since the accident at Three Mile Island, there has been an upsurge of interest in nuclear safety goals. This article discusses a number of candidate goal forms, issues, and decision criteria which could serve as a framework for considering and integrating a wide range of views. Dialogue among government, industry, and public groups will be an important part in determining the answer to the question, how safe is safe enough. This article poses some of the questions to be asked along the way.