Japan Press Weekly

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2012 September 19 - 25 [NUCLEAR CRISIS]

Regulations for NPPs had no teeth: NSC head

The Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) on September 18 held its final meeting as the newly established Nuclear Regulation Authority will take over the role. Chairman of the NSC Madarame Haruki said that its safety regulations for nuclear facilities “had no teeth”.

Reflecting on its activities, the NSC issued a statement saying that it is regrettable that it failed to prevent the serious accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant last year.

Madarame’s remark was frank, but totally lacks a sense of responsibility. If there had been a problem with the NSC, he should have had it addressed as chairman.

His comment casts serious doubt on all safety approvals the NSC gave to nuclear sites. The government should immediately halt operations at the Oi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture and stop its move to restart other reactors.