U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

When we hit the road for recruitment, we always make sure #HBCUs – Historically Black Colleges and Universities – are on our itinerary. Recently, our roadshow had stops at three incredible HBCUs: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Tennessee State University, and Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge! During our visits, we engaged with bright minds, shared insights about our agency, collected resumes and explored potential career paths. We’re committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence and help us meet our important safety and security mission. https://lnkd.in/e645FyDK #NRCHires

We held our first agency-wide meeting on the ADVANCE Act yesterday, building on the meetings already held on individual projects and serving as a springboard to upcoming meetings. This meeting’s purpose was to provide an overview of the actions underway and to get feedback from stakeholders. Mike King, the NRC staff’s senior official overseeing the implementation, kicked it off with some background on the bi-partisan Act and some of its requirements and deadlines. More than 200 people attended the hybrid meeting and many had comments, on topics including licensing related to DoD facilities, fees, pre-application engagement, environmental reviews, timeframes and more. The slides for the meeting as well as a listing of future meetings – and an easy way to provide feedback – is available on the agency website here: https://lnkd.in/geTuyrQt

We regularly work with our overseas regulatory counterparts to share insights and best practices for the safe use of nuclear power plants and nuclear materials. A recent example involves three staff from the Romanian National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control, who’ve sat in with our reactor oversight office as part of the International Assignee Program. They’re matched up with our new reactor and small modular reactor licensing staff in support of Romania’s efforts to be ready to review NuScale’s small modular design for potential use. These sorts of partnerships are key to the NRC’s work in strengthening nuclear regulation worldwide.

What do engineers do when they’re not working? They tinker and fix stuff! Julio Lara, the Deputy Administrator in our Region IV office in Texas, has spent the past 10 years restoring a 1951 Chevrolet truck. He developed his mechanical skills working alongside his father, who repaired cars at home. Julio recently entered a competition and won this year’s top prize. He provided photos and videos documenting the step-by-step cleaning and restoration of his truck’s original engine and transmission, electrical components, suspension, frame, steering, wheels, and brakes. Julio brings the same level enthusiasm and attention to detail to his work every day!

It’s #EarthScienceWeek so of quartz we’re going to spotlight one of our own! Jenise Thompson is a technical reviewer responsible for the geologic and volcanic hazards reviews for new reactor applications. She makes sure the impacts of potential geologic hazards on a proposed facility would not adversely affect the safety of the surrounding communities and environment. She grew up along the San Andreas Fault and knew from a young age she wanted to be a geologist. She earned her bachelor’s in geology from the University of the Pacific and her master’s in geology from University of Maryland. Before coming to us, she worked on exciting projects involving asteroids. And, of course, like any true geologist she has an extensive rock collection with serpentinite – the state rock of California - as her favorite!

Have a happy and safe holiday!

We’ve joined the nation today in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) with a focus on the theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” We’re celebrating the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience as well as the profound contributions of Hispanic pioneers who have impacted history and society. We held a special event that, among other things (yes there was food!) acknowledged the crucial role played by our Hispanic American colleagues – who make up about 7 percent of our workforce. They help us meet our mission every day and we celebrate them!

Despite the force of Hurricane #Milton, the nuclear power plants and NRC-licensed facilities in the path weathered the storm without issue. Our Region II staff in Atlanta were active through the night, supporting our “storm riders” positioned at St. Lucie and Turkey Point nuclear plants. Our staff worked around the clock, offering continuous oversight and coordination. We also had staff stationed in Florida’s Emergency Operations Center to maintain a full understanding of any potential impacts. As Milton moves on, our focus remains on ensuring that the plants are operating safely post-storm.

We came together. We listened. We celebrated! Today was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, which established today’s NRC. At our celebration, we welcomed special guest speakers -- former Commissioner Victor Gilinsky (1974-1984), former Chair Shirley Jackson (1995-1999), and former Chair Richard Meserve (1999-2003). We also heard remarks by Chair Hanson and Commissioners Wright, Caputo and Crowell. Plus, we watched a great video with Historian Tom Wellock and heard introductions by EDO Mirela Gavrilas. Please join our celebration by watching the event here: https://lnkd.in/em6f8y_N Happy Anniversary to us! #50YearsOfNRC

The #ADVANCENRC team is standing by to hear from you in an upcoming hybrid meeting. We’ll be providing an overview of our actions so far and taking your feedback. The bipartisan ADVANCE Act addresses a range of agency actions, including budgeting, regulatory requirements for advanced reactors and fusion technology, recruiting and retaining the agency’s workforce, and initiatives to support an efficient, timely, and predictable licensing process. The meeting will be held Oct. 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Eastern time online and at our HQ in Rockville, Maryland. Get all the details here: https://lnkd.in/e35hh2rQ. Stay tuned for information about ongoing meetings on specific topics in the Act.