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# About NRC

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.
            - The Commission
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## Regulatory Activities

            - Commission Direction-Setting and Policymaking Activities
            - Radiation Protection
            - Fire Protection
            - Safety Culture
            - How We Regulate
            - Emergency Preparedness and Response
            - Counterfeit, Fraudulent, and Suspect Items
            - Enforcement
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## Outreach

            - Public Affairs
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            - Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs
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            - Civil Rights Program
            - About the NRC & Your Community
            - Contact Us

## Opportunities To Work With NRC

            - Career Opportunities
            - Contracting Opportunities
            - Grant Opportunities

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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#### NRC Mission

The NRC licenses and regulates the Nation's civilian use of radioactive materials to provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety and to promote the common defense and security and to protect the environment.

**NRC's regulatory mission covers three main areas:**Reactors – Commercial reactors for generating electric power and research and test reactors used for research, testing, and trainingMaterials – Uses of nuclear materials in medical, industrial, and academic settings and facilities that produce nuclear fuelWaste – Transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear materials and waste, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities from service

#### Related Information

            - Strategic Plan
            - Information Digest
            - NRC: Regulator of Nuclear Safety
            - Radiation Protection and the NRC
            - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fact Sheet

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, January 16, 2024