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Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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Issue<br />

12<br />

LICENSING AND THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS<br />

Several commenters pointed out that the Statement does not identify the "decision<br />

makers" in the waste management process. (63, 208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

In the President's February 12, 1980 speech on radioactive waste management, he stated<br />

that for disposal <strong>of</strong> high-level radioactive waste he was adopting an interim planning strategy<br />

focused on the use <strong>of</strong> geologic repositories which would be able to accept waste from repro-<br />

cessing and unreprocessed commercial spent fuel. The interim strategy is required since full<br />

environmental review (according to NEPA) must precede final decisions on many steps which need<br />

to be taken. Following these environmental reviews, the President will reexamine the interim<br />

strategy and determine if any changes need to be made. Issuance <strong>of</strong> this environmental impact<br />

statement is intended to serve as a basis for that reexamination. See also response above on<br />

regulations.<br />

Issue<br />

Several commenters pointed out, that the Department <strong>of</strong> Energy should consult with the<br />

public and state and local governments in the selection <strong>of</strong> a proposed disposal method (and<br />

corresponding disposal site) as well as in solving <strong>of</strong> related waste management problems<br />

(i.e., transportation). (19, 22, 28, 37, 41, 43, 97, 98, 123, 129, 139, 156, 191, 204,<br />

218-DOI)<br />

Response<br />

DOE agrees with this comment. During the process <strong>of</strong> preparing draft and final environ-<br />

mental impact statements on commercial waste management program alternatives, state and<br />

public comment and participation has been, and will continue to play a role in the decision-<br />

making process. Problems in related areas <strong>of</strong> concern (e.g., transportation) will be solved<br />

with input from both the public at large and state governments. In addition the President<br />

has recently created by executive order, a State Planning Council made up <strong>of</strong> Federal and<br />

state <strong>of</strong>ficials, chaired by a state governor (Governor Riley <strong>of</strong> South Carolina) whose func-<br />

tion will be to advise the Executive Branch and to work with the Congress to address radio-<br />

active waste management issues, such as planning and siting, construction, and operation <strong>of</strong><br />

facilities.<br />

Issue<br />

One commenter stated that the Statement does not identify how future national decisions<br />

will impact waste management. (22)

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