Sam Gibbons: “Currently, nuclear security requirements at licensed nuclear facilities do not reflect the risk of terrorism that they…”

“Currently, nuclear security requirements at licensed nuclear facilities do not reflect the risk of terrorism that they face in the post September 11, 2001-world. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has recognized that the containment buildings housing nuclear reactors are not designed to withstand an attack of September 11 proportions. An even more vulnerable target includes spent nuclear fuel pools which contain more radioactivity than a reactor core and are located outside of the containment structure. Unfortunately, H.R. 2983 contains specific provisions intended to facilitate the construction of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR), a design that does not include a protective containment structure. The blanket indemnities granted to Department of Energy contractors by the Price-Anderson Act, even in cases of willful misconduct and gross negligence, runs counter to the goal of comprehensive security at licensed nuclear facilities. Exposing facilities that do is an egregious violation of public trust and safety. As a Congress, we should not provide disincentives to ensuring public safety. If we pass H.R. 2983, we will be doing just that.”