[Draft] Ensuring the Safety of Nuclear Power Stations

[Terttia]

Draft 5:

Ensuring the Safety of Nuclear Power Stations

Category: Regulation | Area of Effect: Energy | Proposed by: Terttia

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The World Assembly,

Realizing that many member nations use nuclear energy as a means of producing energy,

Aware that nuclear power stations discharge gargantuan amounts of energy,

Noting that some of those member nations use nuclear energy without much regulation and oversight, placing other member nations and the surrounding environment at risk,

Understanding that sometimes, government intervention is needed to protect individuals, other member nations, and the environment,

Hoping to change this situation for the betterment of member nations and the environment,

Hereby,

1. Defines, for the purposes of this resolution,
   
   
   1. “nuclear energy” as the energy released through the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms,
      
      
   2. “nuclear power station” as a power station that produces energy through the processes of using nuclear energy,
      
      
   3. ”operator” as a legal entity that assumes all legal rights and responsibilities as the owner, either partially or wholly, of a nuclear power station, and
      
      
   4. “nuclear research reactor” as a nuclear reactor that serves as a neutron source for the purposes of research or for any other purpose;
   
   
2. Tasks the Nuclear Energy Safety Commission (hereinafter “NESC”) with,
   
   
   1. conducting research on the safe and proper planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   2. creating regulations, based on the findings of the studies conducted by the NESC described by clause 2(a) of this resolution, pertaining to the safe and proper planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   3. creating plans to bring current nuclear power stations in compliance with the regulations set by the NESC, described by clause 2(b) of this resolution, and
      
      
   4. determining which nuclear power stations within member states have exceeded the safety regulations described by clause 2(b) of this resolution;
   
   
3. Exempts nuclear research reactors, defined by clause 1(d), and nuclear power stations that have exceeded the safety regulations of the NESC, described by clause 2(d) of this resolution, from the NESC’s regulations;
   
   
4. Declares that the NESC shall not mandate the planning, construction, or decommission of nuclear power stations, either explicitly or through its regulations;
   
   
5. Mandates that member nations, or any entity therein with legal authorization, planning, constructing, operating, maintaining, or decommissioning a nuclear power station comply with the regulations set by the NESC, described by clause 2(b) of this resolution. Any operator of a nuclear power station not in compliance with this clause shall be fined by the NESC.

OOC: I plan to submit in either late April or early May, unless an extension occurs.

[Terttia]

OOC: Outdated Drafts

The World Assembly,

Realizing that many member nations use nuclear energy as a means of producing electricity,

Aware that nuclear power stations discharge a massive amount of electricity,

Noting that some of those member nations use nuclear energy without much regulation and oversight, placing other member nations and the surrounding environment at risk,

Hoping to change this situation for the betterment of member nations and the environment,

Hereby,

1. Defines:
   
   
   1. “nuclear energy” as the energy released through the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms, and
      
      
   2. “nuclear power station” as a power station that produces electricity through the processes of using nuclear energy;
   
   
2. Considers that the operation of a nuclear power station includes the distribution of electricity to either itself or other entities;
   
   
3. Grants the right of member nations, and any entity authorized by the member nation, to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear power stations;
   
   
4. Tasks the Nuclear Energy Safety Commission (NESC) with:
   
   
   1. conducting studies on the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   2. creating regulations, based on the findings of the studies described in clause 4(a) of this resolution, pertaining to the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations, and
      
      
   3. creating plans to bring both current and future nuclear power stations in compliance with the regulations described in clause 4(b) of this resolution;
5. Mandates that member nations, or any entity, and any employee thereof, authorized by that member nation, constructing, operating, maintaining, or decommissioning a nuclear power station comply with the regulations set by the NESC as described by clause 4(b) of this resolution.

The World Assembly,

Realizing that many member nations use nuclear energy as a means of producing electricity,

Aware that nuclear power stations discharge massive amounts of energy,

Noting that some of those member nations use nuclear energy without much regulation and oversight, placing other member nations and the surrounding environment at risk,

Hoping to change this situation for the betterment of member nations and the environment,

Hereby,

1. Defines:
   
   
   1. “nuclear energy” as the energy released through the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms, and
      
      
   2. “nuclear power station” as a power station that produces energy through the processes of using nuclear energy;
   
   
2. Clarifies that the operation of a nuclear power station includes the distribution of energy to either itself or other entities;
   
   
3. Grants the right of member nations, and any entity authorized by the member nation, to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear power stations within their own borders;
   
   
4. Tasks the Nuclear Energy Safety Commission (NESC) with:
   
   
   1. conducting studies on the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   2. creating regulations, based on the findings of the studies described in clause 4(a) of this resolution, pertaining to the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations, and
      
      
   3. creating plans to bring both current and future nuclear power stations in compliance with the regulations described in clause 4(b) of this resolution;
5. Declares that the NESC shall not mandate the construction or decommission of nuclear power stations;
   
   
6. Mandates that member nations, or any entity, and any employee thereof, authorized by that member nation, constructing, operating, maintaining, or decommissioning a nuclear power station comply with the regulations set by the NESC as described by clause 4(b) of this resolution.

The World Assembly,

Realizing that many member nations use nuclear energy as a means of producing energy,

Aware that nuclear power stations discharge massive amounts of energy,

Noting that some of those member nations use nuclear energy without much regulation and oversight, placing other member nations and the surrounding environment at risk,

Hoping to change this situation for the betterment of member nations and the environment,

Hereby,

1. Defines:
   
   
   1. “nuclear energy” as the energy released through the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms, and
      
      
   2. “nuclear power station” as a power station that produces energy through the processes of using nuclear energy;
   
   
2. Tasks the Nuclear Energy Safety Commission (NESC) with:
   
   
   1. conducting studies on the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   2. creating regulations, based on the findings of the studies described in clause 2(a) of this resolution, pertaining to the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations, and
      
      
   3. creating plans to bring both current and future nuclear power stations in compliance with the regulations described in clause 2(b) of this resolution;
3. Clarifies that the operation of a nuclear power station includes the distribution of energy to either itself or other entities;
   
   
4. Declares that the NESC shall not mandate the construction or decommission of nuclear power stations;
   
   
5. Mandates that member nations, or any entity, and any employee thereof, authorized by that member nation, constructing, operating, maintaining, or decommissioning a nuclear power station comply with the regulations set by the NESC as described by clause 2(b) of this resolution.

The World Assembly,

Realizing that many member nations use nuclear energy as a means of producing energy,

Aware that nuclear power stations discharge massive amounts of energy,

Noting that some of those member nations use nuclear energy without much regulation and oversight, placing other member nations and the surrounding environment at risk,

Hoping to change this situation for the betterment of member nations and the environment,

Hereby,

1. Defines:
   
   
   1. “nuclear energy” as the energy released through the nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms, and
      
      
   2. “nuclear power station” as a power station that produces energy through the processes of using nuclear energy;
   
   
2. Tasks the Nuclear Energy Safety Commission (NESC) with:
   
   
   1. conducting studies on the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations,
      
      
   2. creating regulations, based on the findings of the studies described in clause 2(a) of this resolution, pertaining to the safe and proper construction, operation, maintenance, and decommission of nuclear power stations, and
      
      
   3. creating plans to bring current nuclear power stations in compliance with the regulations described in clause 2(b) of this resolution;
3. Clarifies that the operation of a nuclear power station includes the distribution of energy to either itself or other entities;
   
   
4. Exempts nuclear reactors that do not meet the operational definition, as described by clause 3 of this resolution, from the NESC’s regulations;
   
   
5. Declares that the NESC shall not mandate the construction or decommission of nuclear power stations, either explicitly or through its regulations;
   
   
6. Mandates that member nations, or any entity, and any employee thereof, authorized by that member nation, constructing, operating, maintaining, or decommissioning a nuclear power station comply with the regulations set by the NESC as described by clause 2(b) of this resolution.

[Kenmoria]

“What is the purpose of clause 2? It seems more preambulatory given ‘considers’, but has been placed in the active clauses.”

[Terttia]

“What is the purpose of clause 2? It seems more preambulatory given ‘considers’, but has been placed in the active clauses.”

“That serves to clarify that the operation of a nuclear power station also includes the distribution of electricity. However, if my fellow ambassadors feel that that clause should belong in the preamble, I can make adjustments.”

[The New California Republic]

Grants the right of member nations, and any entity authorized by the member nation, to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear power stations

Duplication. That has already been affirmed by #418:

Maintains the right of member nations to manufacture and trade nuclear weapons or reactors, to possess the materials required in such manufacture, and to acquire the materials required in such manufacture;

Maintains the right of member nations to have knowledge of the manufacture and trade of nuclear weapons or reactors, to possess such knowledge, and to acquire such knowledge

[Kenmoria]

“What is the purpose of clause 2? It seems more preambulatory given ‘considers’, but has been placed in the active clauses.”

“That serves to clarify that the operation of a nuclear power station also includes the distribution of electricity. However, if my fellow ambassadors feel that that clause should belong in the preamble, I can make adjustments.”

“I recommend either combining that clause with the definition of a nuclear power station, by adding something such as ‘including the distribution of electricity produced’, or adding this as a clarifying clause that all mandates upon nuclear power stations also apply to the distribution thereof.”

[Araraukar]

OOC: Clause 3 needs the modifier "within their own borders".

Other than that, against, because of giving a committee the right to do whatever they want with regulations, including forcing the shutting down and tearing down of every nuclear reactor in existence.

I also notice that if the nuclear plant is used to produce steam and then a separate power plant processes the steam into electricity, the nuclear plant isn't included within the proposal. I would suggest using "energy" instead of "electricity".

[Terttia]

Grants the right of member nations, and any entity authorized by the member nation, to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear power stations

Duplication. That has already been affirmed by #418:

Maintains the right of member nations to manufacture and trade nuclear weapons or reactors, to possess the materials required in such manufacture, and to acquire the materials required in such manufacture;

Maintains the right of member nations to have knowledge of the manufacture and trade of nuclear weapons or reactors, to possess such knowledge, and to acquire such knowledge

OOC: I don’t think so. Nuclear power stations include nuclear reactors. However, nuclear power stations aren’t entirely nuclear reactors, and I think that my writing reflects that.

“That serves to clarify that the operation of a nuclear power station also includes the distribution of electricity. However, if my fellow ambassadors feel that that clause should belong in the preamble, I can make adjustments.”

“I recommend either combining that clause with the definition of a nuclear power station, by adding something such as ‘including the distribution of electricity produced’, or adding this as a clarifying clause that all mandates upon nuclear power stations also apply to the distribution thereof.”

“Noted, ambassador. I will make these changes in the next draft.”

OOC: Clause 3 needs the modifier "within their own borders".

OOC: This will be done.

Other than that, against, because of giving a committee the right to do whatever they want with regulations, including forcing the shutting down and tearing down of every nuclear reactor in existence.

With the findings of the studies, the regulations shouldn’t be too unreasonable. Also, the current clause 3 suggests otherwise; however, I’ll add a clause that the committee cannot mandate the decommission of a nuclear power station.

I also notice that if the nuclear plant is used to produce steam and then a separate power plant processes the steam into electricity, the nuclear plant isn't included within the proposal. I would suggest using "energy" instead of "electricity".

Noted. This will be changed accordingly.

[The New California Republic]

Duplication. That has already been affirmed by #418:

OOC: I don’t think so. Nuclear power stations include nuclear reactors. However, nuclear power stations aren’t entirely nuclear reactors, and I think that my writing reflects that.

Sophistry. Nothing more.

[Saint Indopeland]

OOC: I don’t think so. Nuclear power stations include nuclear reactors. However, nuclear power stations aren’t entirely nuclear reactors, and I think that my writing reflects that.

Sophistry. Nothing more.

#418 states that you can make reactors themselves, but nothing about the building and actual electricity generation. A reactor only controls and contains the reaction, but a power plant uses the energy to create steam and therefore electricity, so I believe this isn’t a duplication.

[The New California Republic]

Sophistry. Nothing more.

#418 states that you can make reactors themselves, but nothing about the building and actual electricity generation. A reactor only controls and contains the reaction, but a power plant uses the energy to create steam and therefore electricity, so I believe this isn’t a duplication.

Again it is pointless hairsplitting. Having the reactors naturally implies that electricity generation equipment is going to be used. Sure, pure research reactors exist, but by the context of what is being talked about there is no need to spell out that nuclear power stations are permitted.

[Greifenburg]

"In support, as international standards regarding safety of nuclear power plants would be quite welcome. Regarding the duplication, I don't see why clause 3 is necessary anyway and could be struck without really changeing the purpose."

[Saint Indopeland]

"In support, as international standards regarding safety of nuclear power plants would be quite welcome. Regarding the duplication, I don't see why clause 3 is necessary anyway and could be struck without really changeing the purpose."

Agreed. Clause 3 could be removed, and the resolution would still ensure safety of nuclear reactors. Plus, it’s removal would decrease the likelihood of the resolution being illegal for duplication.

[Terttia]

"In support, as international standards regarding safety of nuclear power plants would be quite welcome. Regarding the duplication, I don't see why clause 3 is necessary anyway and could be struck without really changeing the purpose."

Agreed. Clause 3 could be removed, and the resolution would still ensure safety of nuclear reactors. Plus, it’s removal would decrease the likelihood of the resolution being illegal for duplication.

Clause 3 will be removed in the next draft.

[American Pere Housh]

"We have no problem supporting this proposal though we haven't been using nuclear fission technology for 150 years. Nuclear fusion technology is one power source that is used in the New Galactic Republic. Though I'm know nuclear physicist, our fusion reactors among the safest."

[Terttia]

OOC: Bump from page 2.

[Araraukar]

Other than that, against, because of giving a committee the right to do whatever they want with regulations, including forcing the shutting down and tearing down of every nuclear reactor in existence.

With the findings of the studies, the regulations shouldn’t be too unreasonable. Also, the current clause 3 suggests otherwise; however, I’ll add a clause that the committee cannot mandate the decommission of a nuclear power station.

OOC: It can still mandate it to be shut down if it doesn't meet the safety requirements? What if the committee - slightly absurdly but still reasonably - decides, from the studies, that fission reactors are a danger, because of the dangerous waste they produce, and orders all of them being shut down, only allowing the use of fusion reactors?

And right now definition and clarification in clause 3 don't match. Experimental reactors exist and are vital for developing new kinds of reactors, such as RL attempts to create a functional fusion reactor. They don't distribute energy. And can a spaceship's propulsion system really be classified as an "entity"?

[Terttia]

With the findings of the studies, the regulations shouldn’t be too unreasonable. Also, the current clause 3 suggests otherwise; however, I’ll add a clause that the committee cannot mandate the decommission of a nuclear power station.

OOC: It can still mandate it to be shut down if it doesn't meet the safety requirements? What if the committee - slightly absurdly but still reasonably - decides, from the studies, that fission reactors are a danger, because of the dangerous waste they produce, and orders all of them being shut down, only allowing the use of fusion reactors?

OOC: What about the current clause 4? Perhaps, I’ll add in the next draft “either explicitly or through its regulations.”

And right now definition and clarification in clause 3 don't match. Experimental reactors exist and are vital for developing new kinds of reactors, such as RL attempts to create a functional fusion reactor. They don't distribute energy. And can a spaceship's propulsion system really be classified as an "entity"?

I’ll make adjustments for the above in the next draft (probably will be released in the next 24 hours). Although, experimental reactors will be exempted since they perform experimental work. I’m not sure if a spacecraft’s propulsion system is classified as an entity. I mean, the material in the reactor reacts, producing energy to propel itself (the propulsion system) and the rest of the spaceship.

[Imperium Anglorum]

Minor duplication of the sort discussed in what is/was section 3 has always been permitted.

[Tinfect]

"The Imperium has been constructing and maintaining fusion power facilities for centuries," said Feren, holding what seemed to be a hydrogen fuel rod for just such a reactor, "We've no need for foreign interference in delicate operations of the sort; certainly, the Imperium has no intention of making costly refits to comply with insufficient or misguided 'international' standards. This legislation is nothing more than a barrier to such technologies."

[Terttia]

"The Imperium has been constructing and maintaining fusion power facilities for centuries," said Feren, holding what seemed to be a hydrogen fuel rod for just such a reactor, "We've no need for foreign interference in delicate operations of the sort; certainly, the Imperium has no intention of making costly refits to comply with insufficient or misguided 'international' standards. This legislation is nothing more than a barrier to such technologies."

“We have used nuclear power for years, and we use it very safely,” notes Phantomson. “However, we, as an Assembly, must realize that some member nations use nuclear power without many regulations, placing many other member nations and the environment at risk.”

[Araraukar]

“We have used nuclear power for years, and we use it very safely,” notes Phantomson. “However, we, as an Assembly, must realize that some member nations use nuclear power without many regulations, placing many other member nations and the environment at risk.”

"Using fission power plants places environment and your people for the next one or two billion years at risk, and that's just from the radioactivity. Most fissionable materials are also actively poisonous chemically. There is no nuclear plant that is completely safe."

[Terttia]

OOC: Draft 4 has been released.

[Araraukar]

OOC: So, let's say a nuclear power plant fails to meet the regulations magicked up by the committee. What happens? Can WA require the plant be shut down aka be take out of service? No, because the committee can't mandate the decommissioning ("to take out of service" is one definition for that word) of a nuclear power plant. So the proposal does nothing.

[Terttia]

OOC: So, let's say a nuclear power plant fails to meet the regulations magicked up by the committee. What happens? Can WA require the plant be shut down aka be take out of service? No, because the committee can't mandate the decommissioning ("to take out of service" is one definition for that word) of a nuclear power plant. So the proposal does nothing.

OOC: Perhaps, the committee could act in liaison with the non-complying nuclear power station to ensure that the regulations are complied with.