NRC Approves Probation for Mississippi's Agreement State Regulatory Program

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release

No: 22-040 October 3, 2022

CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200

NRC Approves Probation for Mississippi’s Agreement State Regulatory Program

The Commission has approved placing the state of Mississippi on probation for deficiencies in its agreement state program regulating the use of radioactive materials. This move does not affect oversight of the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant in Mississippi, which remains under NRC authority, or state responsibilities related to emergency preparedness at Grand Gulf.

Probation ensures continued protection of public health and safety while program weaknesses are addressed. Placing a state on probation requires approval by the NRC’s Commissioners. The weaknesses identified in Mississippi do not pose an immediate risk to public health and safety.

Mississippi is one of 39 states that have entered into agreements with the NRC giving them authority to license and regulate certain nuclear materials users within their borders. A recent NRC review of Mississippi’s program concluded it was “adequate to protect public health and safety but needs improvement and not compatible with the NRC’s program.” The NRC review found the state’s performance unsatisfactory in several performance areas. The report on Mississippi’s program can be found here.

Pending the Commission’s decision, the state has been on “Heightened Oversight,” a condition requiring increased interaction with NRC staff, preparation of a program improvement plan, bimonthly conference calls and periodic status reports. Mississippi’s program improvement plan has been reviewed and approved by NRC staff. The NRC will remain closely involved with state program managers as they implement improvements during the probationary period.

The Mississippi program will be re-evaluated in February 2023.

22-040.pdf