We recognize that the Internet has become an important vehicle for making information widely available. The feedback we have received has impressed us with the need to upgrade and redesign our site so that it is more user friendly, is more easily navigated, and provides a richer variety of current mission-related information about the NRC's regulatory activities. In summary, let me reiterate my view that responsible openness is an essential ingredient in the stew that is regulatory decision-making. As conscientious public servants, we cannot be successful if we are seen as being secretive. Openness is all the more important for decisions in highly technical areas, because otherwise the public has scant opportunity to understand the issues or to participate in a meaningful way.
Openness is the spice that helps to make difficult decisions more palatable.
The NRC historically has had a good record in this regard, but we are nonetheless working to improve our interactions with the public because improvement is always possible. We want the public to continue to have confidence that the NRC will carry out its mission to protect health and safety in the public interest, and we are investing in our staff and in programs to enhance that trust. Trust, however, is a fragile commodity. Responsible openness is the key to building and maintaining trust in regulatory programs. Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you today.