I believe there is a way to unwind the ratchet, at least to a certain degree.
Start with recognizing that some rules have been imposed with associated language stating that they are "not necessary" for adequate protection. Identify those specific rules and repeatedly ask why they exist if they are not necessary.
Writers have the ability to raise this question and perhaps gain the attention of responsible authorities among both regulators and elected officials.
I've been thinking about it and I think there are two 'killer apps' for regulation
Governments need to start creating oversight agencies empowered to invalidate decisions and processes used by other agencies based on a reasonable cost benefit consideration. Nuclear safety agencies would be great candidates as the first ones to review. Won't even need to run numbers on aircraft impact!
I think the NRC is absolutely wedded to its reputation as the gold standard and will not meaningfully change except in direct response to an oversight agency that has different incentives
The second is more of a project and controversial, being Jack Devanney's Underwriter's Certification system, if you're familiar with it. I don't see this as happening for large light water reactors but I think it's intriguing for any reactor design deemed walkaway safe, perhaps by the oversight agency
I love this comment Rod and I wish there is some way to unwind regulatory ratcheting!
I believe there is a way to unwind the ratchet, at least to a certain degree.
Start with recognizing that some rules have been imposed with associated language stating that they are "not necessary" for adequate protection. Identify those specific rules and repeatedly ask why they exist if they are not necessary.
Writers have the ability to raise this question and perhaps gain the attention of responsible authorities among both regulators and elected officials.
I've been thinking about it and I think there are two 'killer apps' for regulation
Governments need to start creating oversight agencies empowered to invalidate decisions and processes used by other agencies based on a reasonable cost benefit consideration. Nuclear safety agencies would be great candidates as the first ones to review. Won't even need to run numbers on aircraft impact!
I think the NRC is absolutely wedded to its reputation as the gold standard and will not meaningfully change except in direct response to an oversight agency that has different incentives
The second is more of a project and controversial, being Jack Devanney's Underwriter's Certification system, if you're familiar with it. I don't see this as happening for large light water reactors but I think it's intriguing for any reactor design deemed walkaway safe, perhaps by the oversight agency