Rep. Markey said, “I am deeply disappointed in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s abdication of its responsibility to protect the American people against a terrorist attack on a nuclear reactor. The NRC voted 4-1 against a common-sense regulatory measure, such as that already in place in Finland, to require new nuclear reactors to be designed to withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft.

“Instead, the NRC has asked the nuclear industry to prepare what amounts to a nuclear book report – which the NRC may or may not even grade – that merely represents each company’s views on how its proposed new reactor design could include measures to enhance security. But once the company’s book report is submitted, its work is done – no additional regulatory requirements to actually implement any of these measures will be imposed.

“This is a shameful and inadequate approach to security. I plan to introduce legislation to require that new nuclear reactors are designed to withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft, and will work to ensure that it is enacted into law.”

#          #       #                                   

           For Immediate Release April 24, 2007                    Contact:Jessica Schafer, 202-225-2836