Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 239cc7c1-f2cb-46cc-945d-8009db28aa6c
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: General Site Suitability Criteria for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 12/2023 – DG-4034 , Proposed Revision 4 12/2011 – DG-4021 , Proposed Revision 3 02/1995 – DG-4004, Second Proposed Revision 2 11/1992 – DG-4003, Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 4)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2312/ML23123A090.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-10
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.7
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
nificant impacts will fall disproportionately on minority or low-income communities. Because of the depth of this analysis, the discussion of environmental justice in the evaluation of a proposed site often rivals, in length and complexity, the discussion of socioeconomic DG-4034, Page 49 effects on the general population. The construction of commercial nuclear power stations should be avoided on sites where this would have significant impacts falling disproportionately on minority or low-income communities. The NRC’s policy statement in this area expresses the Commission position that the agency is committed to the general goals of Executive Order 12898 and “will strive to meet those goals through its normal and traditional NEPA review process.” Executive Order 12898 requires an agency to analyze whether its programs, policies, and activities have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations. The order is not binding on the NRC because the NRC is an independent regulatory agency. NUREG-1555 contains more information on NRC staff reviews of environmental justice issues. 3 Limited Work Authorizations The LWA process allows applicants to request approval to perform certain limited construction activities before the issuance of a COL. 3.1 Relevant Statutes and Regulations • National Environmental Policy Act; • 10 CFR 50.10, “License required; limited work authorization;” • 10 CFR 51.14, “Definitions;” • 10 CFR Part 52.77, “Contents of applications; general information;” and • 40 CFR 1508.7, “Cumulative impacts.” 3.2 Related Guidance • RG 1.206, “Applications for Nuclear Power Plants; ” and • NUREG-1555, “Standard Review Plans for Environmental Reviews for Nuclear Power Plants: Environmental Standard Review Plan.” 3.3 Considerations, Regulatory Experience, and Staff Position The LWA process allows applicants to request approval to perform certain construction