title: Sixth Warren K. Sinclair keynote address: The role of a strong regulator in safe and secure nuclear energy.
abstract: The history of nuclear regulation is briefly reviewed to underscore the early recognition that independence of the regulator was essential in achieving and maintaining public credibility. The current licensing process is reviewed along with the status of applications. Challenges faced by both the NRC and the industry are reviewed, such as new construction techniques involving modular construction, digital controls replacing analog circuitry, globalization of the entire supply chain, and increased security requirements. The vital area of safety culture is discussed in some detail, and its importance is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Past Honorable Commissioner of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Washington, DC 20585-0001, USA. peter.lyons@hg.doe.gov
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Lyons
mesh_terms: D033161:Government Regulation / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D008004:Licensure; D009678:Nuclear Energy / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009688:Nuclear Reactors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D012637:Security Measures; D014481:United States; D037041:United States Government Agencies / Q000266:history