NEWS: Nuclear safety regulations are shifting too quickly, according to 11 state attorneys general.

The NRC has floated changes to rules around radiation protection at a “scale and speed” that is “deeply concerning,” according to the AGs, who represent states including IL, CA, NM, and CO. They also noted that the NRC has denied requests to extend comment periods for several of these changes.

The background: In response to an executive order, the NRC has suggested scrapping ALARA (the “as low as reasonably achievable” principle). Now, the agency aims to “address unnecessary conservatism and excessive subjectivity in regulatory requirements.”

The concern: These suggested switch-ups, including higher permitted levels of radioactive pollution and reduced monitoring requirements, could have “serious impacts on state programs and worker and public safety,” the AGs wrote. The coalition is urging the NRC to reverse its proposal.