USA Considers Call for Oil Industry Regulation Modelled on Nuclear Industry
The White House oil spill commission is probing US offshore drilling policies and is considering pushing the oil industry to accept a self-governing body to help oversee tough safety standards.
The US nuclear industry's Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) came into being after the Three Mile Island reactor accident in 1979. Although that event caused no deaths or injuries, it severely affected the reputation of nuclear power.
INPO has as its members all US utilities with nuclear power plants in operation or under construction. Its aim is self-regulation and safety enhancement through plant evaluation by peer review, and it provided the model for development of WANO internationally. It is funded by the utilities.
The panel is looking at proposing a regulatory structure for the oil industry modelled on INPO. Such a system would aim at ensuring much higher safety standards, possibly through project evaluations that would be scrutinised by insurance companies and government regulators.
The Gulf oil spill highlighted the need for mutual concern for high standards among drillers, since as in the nuclear industry, one accident has implications for the entire sector.
Source: World Nuclear Association
Published 30/08/2010
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