Has statutory responsibilities as described in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Reviews and advises the Commission with regard to the licensing and operation of production and utilization facilities and related safety issues, the adequacy of proposed reactor safety standards, technical and policy issues related to the licensing of evolutionary and passive plant designs, and other matters referred to it by the Commission. Upon request, reviews and advises with regard to the hazards of the Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear activities and facilities and provides technical advice to the DOE Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. On its own initiative, may conduct reviews of specific safety-related items. Submits an annual report to the Commission commenting on the NRC Safety Research Program.

Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste and Materials

Chairman: Michael Ryan
Vice Chairman: Allen Croff

The Committee reports to and advises the Commission on all aspects of nuclear waste management. The ACNW&M will undertake studies and activities related to the transportation, storage, and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive waste, including the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel; materials safety; decommissioning; application of risk-informed, performance-based(RIPB) regulations; and evaluation of licensing documents, rules, regulatory guidance, and other issues as requested by the Commission.

Committee Support Staff

Executive Director: Frank Gillespie

Coordinates technical, management, and administrative support of the statutory Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards and the Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste and Materials. Provides overall program and management direction for ACRS and ACNW&M administrative and technical support and associated resource management. Maintains liaison with the Commission, NRC staff, and others to provide for the conduct of ACRS and ACNW&M activities in a manner responsive to the needs of the Commission. Manages the ACRS Fellowship Program.

Program Management, Policy Development and Analysis Staff

Director: Jenny Gallo

Coordinates administrative and fiscal services for committee activities, including the administrative actions associated with the appointment of members and consultants, and with processing travel, compensation, and other claims; maintains a document control system for committee members; ensures compliance with Federal Advisory Committee Act record keeping requirements, is responsible for preparation and management of the budget and the implementation of internal controls; manages the PMDA staff; and assures the office is in compliance with agency policies and procedures.

Reactor Safety Branch

Chief: Cayetano Santos

Manages the technical and support staff necessary for the operation of the ACRS. This includes providing support in managing the ACRS Fellowship Program and the associated support staff establishing priorities, schedules, and resource allocations; and approving new consultants to the ACRS.

Nuclear Waste and Materials Branch

Chief: Antonio Dias

Manages the technical and support staff necessary for the operation of ACNW&M. This includes establishing priorities, schedules and resource allocations; and approving new consultants for ACNW&M.