U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, commonly known as the NRC, is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials in the United States. Its remit includes commercial nuclear power plants, research and test reactors, nuclear fuel-cycle facilities, radioactive materials used in medicine and industry, and the storage and disposal of nuclear waste. The NRC carries out its responsibilities through licensing, inspections, rulemaking, enforcement and emergency-preparedness oversight. Its statutory objective is to ensure that nuclear technologies and radioactive materials are used safely and securely while protecting people and the environment.