February 27, 2015 

The Honorable Charlie Baker 

Governor of the Commonwealth 

 of Massachusetts 

Boston, MA 02133 

Dear Governor Baker: 

On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I would like to extend 

congratulations to you on your recent inauguration as Governor of the Commonwealth of 

Massachusetts. 

As you may know, the NRC maintains a robust liaison program with all of the States. 

Working cooperatively promotes effective communication, greater awareness, and mutual 

understanding of the policies, activities, and concerns of all parties as related to radiological 

safety at NRC-licensed facilities. 

I am writing to request your appointment of a State Liaison Officer to act as the 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s primary liaison to the NRC. Mr. John Giarrusso, Jr. was 

previously appointed as the State Liaison Officer for Massachusetts. The NRC will continue to 

work with Mr. Giarrusso unless you appoint a new State Liaison Officer; however, I would 

appreciate receiving your written affirmation that you desire Mr. Giarrusso to remain as your 

selected appointee. 

I am providing you with a copy of the NRC brochure entitled, “State Liaison Officer 

Program,” which provides background information on, and describes the role of, the State 

Liaison Officer. I am also enclosing a copy of the NRC “2014-2015 Information Digest,” which 

provides information describing NRC’s mission and its regulatory programs. 

In 1976, the NRC adopted a recommendation from several State organizations, including 

the National Governors Association, that we request each State to appoint a single person to act 

as a liaison to the NRC to help improve Federal/State cooperation. The NRC looks to the 

Governor-appointed State Liaison Officer to provide the primary communication channel 

between the State and the NRC. The State Liaison Officer serves as the key person in the 

State to keep the Governor and other State agencies informed about issues under the NRC’s 

jurisdiction (specifically matters addressing nuclear regulation, nuclear security, nuclear 

emergency preparedness, and radiological public health and safety) and to provide the NRC 

with State information on particular nuclear safety, security, and environmental issues. 

Since inception of the State Liaison Officer Program, State Liaison Officer responsibilities 

have continued to evolve. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the NRC 

increased its security-related communications with the Governor-appointed State Liaison 

Officers. Your appointed State Liaison Officer will serve as a recipient for sensitive unclassified 

information, including Safeguards Information (SGI), from the NRC. SGI is a special category of 

sensitive unclassified information authorized by Section 147 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 
 -2- 

as amended, to be protected from inadvertent release and unauthorized disclosure. Although 

SGI is sensitive unclassified information, it is required to be handled and protected in a manner 

similar to classified National Security Information. 

The NRC also concluded that there is need to ensure that other authorized State 

officials have access to SGI. Because State Homeland Security Advisors are responsible for 

homeland security activities in the States, these State officials may also receive copies of NRC 

security information in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. This will help 

ensure that the State Homeland Security Advisor has knowledge of, and access to, this 

information and can share such information with other authorized State officials. 

We will keep you informed of our programs and activities through Mr. Giarrusso or your 

appointed designee. At the same time, we will continue to work with other individuals in 

Commonwealth agencies with whom we have established relationships. If you or your staff has 

any questions concerning this correspondence or wish to obtain additional information about 

the State Liaison Officer program, please contact Ms. Laura Dudes, Director, Division of 

Material Safety, State, Tribal, and Rulemaking Programs, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and 

Safeguards, at (301) 415-3340 or by e-mail at Laura.Dudes@nrc.gov. 

I thank you in advance for your assistance. The Commission looks forward to 

your response and to continuing an excellent working relationship with the 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Sincerely, 

/RA/ 

 Stephen G. Burns 

Enclosures: 

1. NRC Brochure, 

 “State Liaison Officer Program” 

2. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

 2014-2015 Information Digest, 

 NUREG-1350, Volume 26 

cc: John Giarrusso, Jr.