Current News Archive

9 October 2019
Vermont Becomes 39th NRC Agreement State

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Kristine L. Svinicki and Vermont Governor Philip B. Scott have signed an agreement to give Vermont regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials in the state. Vermont is the 39th state to sign such an agreement with the NRC.

Under the agreement, effective 30 September 2019, Vermont assumes responsibility for licensing, rulemaking, inspection, and enforcement activities related to the industrial, medical, and academic uses of radioactive material. The NRC is transferring 36 academic, commercial, and medical licenses for radioactive material to Vermont's jurisdiction.

NRC retains jurisdiction over the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, which is currently decommissioning, as well as federal agencies using certain nuclear material in the state.

Before entering into the agreement, the NRC determined that Vermont's radiation control program is adequate to protect public health and safety and is compatible with the NRC's regulations. The proposed agreement was published in the Federal Register for four consecutive weeks for public comment.

More information about the Agreement State Program, including a list of Agreement States, is available on the NRC website.