U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Regulatory Information Conference

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's annual conference takes place a week after the one-year anniversary of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi disaster. The event is an excellent opportunity for story leads.

"Proudly sponsored by the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, the RIC brings together more than 3,000 participants from over 34 countries and offers an opportunity for government, industry, international agencies and other interested stakeholders and members of the public to meet and discuss safety and security initiatives and developments in the regulatory arena.

"The RIC offers an inviting atmosphere for participants to learn valuable information about emerging issues in regulation of nuclear power plants and nuclear safety research and presents a dynamic and open forum where participants can exchange ideas and experiences. The RIC also gives participants an opportunity to network with leaders in nuclear safety and regulation.

"We have a full and comprehensive program that promises to provide conference attendees with a wealth of relevant information. The agenda features remarks by Chairman Gregory B. Jaczko and includes plenary sessions with Commissioners Kristine L. Svinicki, George Apostolakis, William D. Magwood, and William C. Ostendorff. Bill Borchardt, NRC’s Executive Director for Operations will present during the opening session, and Eric Leeds, Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation will moderate a special plenary session with the Deputy Executive Director for Reactor and Preparedness Programs and industry.

"The technical program will address significant domestic and international issues associated with operating reactors, new and advanced reactors, fuel cycle facilities, nuclear security, safety research, and safety culture policies. There will also be several sessions addressing topics associated with the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident and NRC’s response to lessons learned such as seismic and station blackout events, flooding and ventilation issues, emergency preparedness and incident response, as well as research and regulation of spent fuel storage, handling, and safe disposition from nuclear power reactors. The agenda also offers a broad variety of technical poster and tabletop presentations. Additionally, participants can sign-up for a tour of the NRC Incident Response Center."

The NRC strongly encourages interested members of the media, particularly video crews, to register online by Feb. 28. Onsite registration will also be available during the RIC but could require up to 30 minutes.