Key Elements of Effective Independent Oversight of DOE's Nuclear Facilities

Gao ID: T-RCED-88-6 October 22, 1987

GAO discussed the proposed Nuclear Protections and Safety Act of 1987, specifically the establishment of a Nuclear Safety Board to oversee the Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear facilities. GAO noted that the proposal addressed five key elements it considered essential, specifically: (1) independent oversight; (2) technical expertise; (3) ability to perform reviews of DOE facilities as needed; (4) authority to require DOE to address the board's findings and recommendations; and (5) a system to provide public access to the board's findings and recommendations. GAO also noted that the legislation should clarify the: (1) board's review function as a specific responsibility; and (2) frequency with which the board will evaluate the implementation of DOE health and safety standards.



The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.