NRC sets out timeframe for nuclear safety review

WASHINGTON — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is moving forward on sweeping safety changes for the U.S. nuclear industry triggered by the crisis in Japan.

The commission directed its staff Friday to decide within 45 days what actions the agency should take in response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that crippled a nuclear plant in Japan.

An NRC task force recommended a series of changes last month to increase protection at the 104 U.S. nuclear reactors, including better response to prolonged power blackouts or damage to multiple reactors

The commission set an Oct. 3 deadline for staff to recommend action on 11 of 12 task force recommendations. Staffers were given 18 months to consider a broader recommendation to revamp the agency's overall approach to regulation and safety.