About NRC

NRC Mission

The NRC licenses and regulates the Nation's civilian use of radioactive materials to protect public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment.

NRC's regulatory mission covers three main areas:

Reactors - Commercial reactors for generating electric power and research and test reactors used for research, testing, and training
Materials - Uses of nuclear materials in medical, industrial, and academic settings and facilities that produce nuclear fuel
Waste - Transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear materials and waste, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities from service

Related Information

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.