Radioactive Material Tracking Gets a Boost: NRC Ordered to Tighten Security, Add Economic Impact Reviews

The "Securing our Radioactive Materials Act" tells the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to get its act together on tracking potentially dangerous radioactive materials. Basically, it's forcing the NRC to beef up security based on findings from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. Think of it like a to-do list handed down from the government's internal watchdog.

Tracking and Verification: The New Rules

The core of this bill is about making sure Category 3 radioactive sources – think stuff used in medical treatments and industrial gauges – are way more tightly controlled. Here's the breakdown:

• Everything in One Place: All Category 3 licenses must be added to the Web-based Licensing System. (SEC. 2(2)(A)).
• Full Tracking: Every single Category 3 source gets tracked in the National Source Tracking System. No more falling through the cracks. (SEC. 2(2)(B)).
• Vendor Verification: Before selling any Category 3 material, vendors have to check with regulators to make sure the buyer is legit. No more handshake deals. (SEC. 2(2)(C)).

The "Socioeconomic" Twist

Here's where things get a little interesting, and not necessarily in a good way. The bill also tells the NRC to consider the "socioeconomic consequences" when deciding on security measures. (SEC. 2(1)).

• What it could mean: Imagine a small-town hospital using radioactive materials for cancer treatment. Stricter security rules might mean higher costs. The NRC now has to weigh those costs against the security benefits. Will a hospital in a poor, rural town be held to a lower standard than a major city hospital?
• The Potential Downside: While it sounds reasonable on the surface, this could create loopholes. It might mean that security measures are watered down in some places because of cost concerns.

Deadline Pressure

The NRC has just one year from the bill's enactment to update all its guidelines, policies, and regulations. (SEC. 2(3)). That's a tight deadline for a big agency, and it could lead to rushed implementation. Think of it like being told to completely reorganize your entire house in a single weekend – things might get messy.

The Big Picture

This bill is essentially a reaction to problems pointed out by the GAO. It's a good thing that security gaps are being addressed, but the "socioeconomic" clause and the tight deadline raise some flags. It will be important to see how the NRC balances security needs with economic realities, and whether they can pull off these changes effectively in just a year.