[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

November 27, 1998

The Honorable Bill Richardson
Secretary of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20585-1000

Dear Secretary Richardson:

The National Defense Authorization Act (Act) for Fiscal Year 1998 includes a provision that requires the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) to prepare a report and make recommendations as to the future role of the Board should Congress consider legislation for the external regulation of defense nuclear facilities. The Act specified that the Board address sixteen specific items.

It is the Board's conclusion that external regulation of the Department of Energy nuclear defense activities would have an adverse effect on national security, would increase operating cost and would have little or no improvement in the Department of Energy's credibility with the public.

The Board's report is provided herewith.

Sincerely,

John T. Conway
Chairman

Enclosure: As stated.

An identical letter was sent to the Acting Deputy Secretary of Energy.

Note: The enclosure is available in [PDF].