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Federal, State, and Local ResponsibilitiesThe Three Mile Island (TMI) accident in 1979 revealed that better coordination between nuclear power plant operators and Federal, State and local government emergency response organizations was needed. Following the accident, the NRC's emergency preparedness regulations were changed [10 CFR 50.33(g) and 50.54(s)] to require each nuclear power plant operator to submit the radiological emergency response plans of State and local governments that are within the 10-mile plume exposure pathway Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ), as well as the plans of State governments within the 50-mile ingestion pathway EPZs. This section contains the following information regarding Federal, State, and local responsibilities during a nuclear power plant emergency. FederalThe roles and responsibilities of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)) with regard to emergency preparedness are found in their respective regulations and in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), June 17, 1993 (58 FR 47996) between the two agencies relating to nuclear power plant emergency preparedness. NRC Roles and Responsibilities:
DHS Roles and Responsibilities:
Together, NRC and FEMA will determine the two-year evaluated emergency preparedness exercise requirements for nuclear power plant operators and State and local governments. In this manner, both onsite and offsite emergency preparedness capabilities are adequately evaluated. For a listing of the radiological emergency preparedness exercises the NRC will participate in, visit Emergency Exercise Schedule. For a listing of the two-year FEMA graded exercises, visit Biennial Exercise Schedule. State and LocalState and local government officials have the overall responsibility of deciding and implementing the appropriate protective actions for the public during a nuclear power plant radiological emergency. They are responsible for notifying the public to take protective actions, such as evacuation, sheltering in place or taking potassium iodide pills as a supplement. State and local officials base their decisions on the protective action recommendations by the nuclear power plant operator and their own radiological or health organizations. The NRC provides advice, guidance, and support to the State and local government officials. Neither the nuclear power plant operator nor the NRC can order the public to take protective actions. For links to the State Emergency Management agencies, see FEMA’s State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management . |
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