Independent Review Characteristics

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed a proposal for an independent review of nuclear waste management, focusing on: (1) potential entities to review radioactive waste management; and (2) the scope of such a review. GAO noted that: (1) an independent review of the Department of Energy's (DOE) civilian radioactive waste program is needed to provide Congress with the best information to evaluate the program's performance, make future funding decisions, and make program changes; (2) the body conducting the review should have clear access to DOE records and a means for providing public access to review findings and recommendations; (3) potential entities to perform such a review include a special congressional committee, a presidential commission, or the National Academy of Public Administration; and (4) a comprehensive, independent review of the waste program should include fundamental issues such as interim nuclear waste storage, program funding, and the development and regulation of a waste disposal repository.