Nuclear Advisory Committee Reform Act

This legislation, known as the Nuclear Advisory Committee Reform Act, significantly alters the function of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) within the nuclear regulatory framework. It transitions the ACRS from a body with mandatory review responsibilities to one that primarily serves in an advisory capacity, acting only when specifically requested by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The bill mandates that the ACRS, when performing its duties, concentrate on issues that are directly related to reactor design , are safety significant , are novel , and have not been previously addressed. Furthermore, the ACRS can propose actions, but it cannot proceed without a specific request from the Commission, ensuring that its efforts align with the NRC's priorities. The legislation also establishes a maximum of 15 members for the Committee, appointed for limited terms, and requires the Commission to maintain policies for efficient and timely coordination.