Code of Federal Regulations Title 10 - Energy
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), titled "Energy," is a comprehensive collection of rules and regulations issued by various federal agencies regarding all aspects of energy in the United States. It's a vast and complex title, reflecting the multifaceted nature of energy production, consumption, and regulation.
The primary agencies contributing to Title 10 are:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - Chapters I and sometimes II (Parts 1-199): This is a significant portion of Title 10. The NRC is responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials and ensuring public health and safety, national security, and environmental protection. Its regulations cover:
Nuclear Reactors: Licensing, design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of commercial power reactors, research reactors, and test reactors.
Nuclear Materials: Regulations for the use, handling, transportation, and storage of various nuclear materials, including those used in medical, industrial, and academic settings. This also covers fuel cycle facilities (uranium recovery, fuel fabrication, etc.).
Radioactive Waste: Management and disposal of low-level and high-level radioactive waste.
Nuclear Security: Safeguards for nuclear materials and facilities, including physical protection and information security.
Export and Import of Nuclear Equipment and Material: Rules governing international nuclear trade.
Department of Energy (DOE) - Chapters II, III, and X (Parts 200-999, 1000-1099, and sometimes others): The DOE is responsible for a broad range of energy-related activities, including:
Energy Policy: Developing and implementing national energy policy.
Energy Conservation: Regulations related to energy efficiency standards for consumer products, commercial and industrial equipment, and federal buildings. This includes programs like the State Energy Program.
Research and Development: Overseeing research and development in various energy technologies, including fossil fuels, renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal), nuclear energy, and advanced transportation fuels.
Environmental Management: Managing radioactive waste and environmental cleanup at former nuclear weapons sites.
National Security: Managing the nation's nuclear weapons complex and ensuring nuclear nonproliferation.
Financial Assistance: Rules for grants and other financial assistance programs related to energy.
Contract Management: Regulations for DOE contracts and procurement.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulations: Procedures for implementing NEPA for DOE projects.
Other Agencies/Entities: While the NRC and DOE are the major contributors, other smaller entities may also have regulations within Title 10, such as:
Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Chapter XIII): Provides independent scientific and technical oversight of the DOE's program for managing and disposing of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Chapter XVII): Provides independent oversight to ensure the adequate protection of public health and safety at defense nuclear facilities of the Department of Energy.
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission (Chapter XVIII): A regional compact responsible for managing low-level radioactive waste from its member states.
It's important to note that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations are primarily found under Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations, "Conservation of Power and Water Resources," rather than Title 10. While FERC deals with energy (electricity transmission, natural gas pipelines, hydropower licensing), its specific regulations are codified under a different title.
In summary, Title 10 CFR provides the detailed legal framework for how nuclear energy is regulated, how various energy-related activities are managed by the Department of Energy, and how other specialized boards contribute to the oversight of the nation's energy landscape. It covers everything from the safe operation of nuclear power plants to energy efficiency standards for appliances and the management of federal energy programs.
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