Regulation of Nuclear Power

The Case of the Light Water Reactor

Elizabeth S. Rolph

ResearchPublished 1977

Chronicles the regulatory history of the commercial power reactor from 1954 through 1974. The earliest period was characterized by an infant technology regulated in an ad hoc personalized style. The technology then entered a period of growth and rapid change and began to swamp the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC's) regulatory capacity. The rate of commercialization and technological evolution continued to increase dramatically. In addition, environmentalist opposition and a growing number of technical problems combined to increase the regulatory burden. In spite of belated efforts to improve its management and regain public confidence during its later years, the AEC was not able to establish a regulatory process that was satisfactory to the industry and the public.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1977
  • Pages: 88
  • Document Number: R-2104-NSF

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Rolph, Elizabeth S., Regulation of Nuclear Power: The Case of the Light Water Reactor. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1977. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R2104.html.
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