"N.R.C. Chief Plans Quick Response to Post-Fukushima Study"

"The chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday that it should decide within 90 days on how to address recommendations to be issued this week by a task force that examined the lessons of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan. Almost simultaneously, House Republicans and the industry’s trade association warned him not to rush.

The chairman, Gregory B. Jaczko, speaking at the National Press Club, cast the March 11 earthquake and tsunami at Fukushima Daiichi, which produced three meltdowns, as a serious challenge for the American nuclear industry. 'The history of nuclear power has also been punctuated by several significant events that challenged old truths and upended our understanding of nuclear safety,' he said.

Mr. Jaczko cited the 1975 fire at the Browns Ferry nuclear plant in Alabama and the 1979 meltdown at Three Mile Island as well as the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2011, which led to a round of security improvements at plants and the addition of backup equipment in case regular systems were disabled by terrorists.

Fukushima is also in that significant category, he said."

Matthew L. Wald reports for the New York Times' Green blog July 18, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Nuclear Chief Urges Rapid Overhaul Of Rules" (Reuters)