The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency of the United States government. It was created by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and began operations on January 19, 1975. The NRC’s primary mission is to regulate the nation’s civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure the protection of public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment. Its responsibilities include overseeing nuclear reactors, nuclear materials, nuclear waste, and nuclear security.
