Reduce the role of Atomic Energy Commission

 April 18, 2014

Govt. approves bill to limit nuclear panel's role

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140418_26.html

Japan's government has approved a bill that would limit the role of an advisory panel that has served to promote nuclear energy for over half a century.

The bill that won Cabinet endorsement on Friday would revise the law governing the Atomic Energy Commission, whose chief duty is to compile the nation's nuclear energy policy.

The commission's role came under review following disclosures 2 years ago that it held secret meetings only with pro-nuclear parties -- including power utilities and bureaucrats -- during the course of compiling the policy.

The government's bill says the commission will no longer draw up the policy and will instead offer its basic ideas on nuclear energy.

Its role would be limited to solving problems related to nuclear power, such as how to deal with radioactive waste and what do to with the damaged Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

The number of commissioners would be reduced from 5 to 3, and a new code of conduct would be introduced to ensure neutrality and transparency.

Once the bill is enacted, the commission's chair and members will be appointed following Diet approval.

Apr. 18, 2014 - Updated 06:42 UTC