Under the agreement, which takes effect Sept. 30, Indiana will oversee 213 licenses covering the use of radioactive materials in medical, academic and industrial settings. The state will be responsible for licensing, inspection and enforcement of these activities.
“This agreement means more power in the hands of Hoosiers, not Washington, D.C.,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “More regulatory control for our state creates an opportunity for more reliable and affordable power for Hoosiers.”
Nieh and Braun signed the formal agreement in Indianapolis.
Transfer Authority
The agreement, authorized under Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act, allows the NRC to transfer regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials to states that demonstrate they have adequate programs to protect public health and safety. NRC reviewed Indiana’s program to ensure it meets applicable federal standards.
Indiana will regulate radioactive materials used for purposes including medical diagnosis and treatment, university research and industrial applications. The NRC will retain oversight of the state program and conduct periodic reviews to ensure Indiana continues to meet federal requirements.
With Indiana joining the Agreement State program, 41 states now regulate these uses of radioactive materials under agreements with the NRC. Moreover, the NRC continues to directly regulate radioactive materials in the remaining states and certain federally regulated activities.