People Places Planet

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC” or the “Agency”) licenses and regulates the civilian and commercial use of nuclear power and radioactive materials, including traditional and advanced reactors. Advanced reactor technologies are poised to provide a lower-cost option for carbon-free electricity and can power a broad range of applications including existing power grids, small energy grids (remote areas without connectivity to transmission infrastructure), small electrical markets, and industrial facilities. In this episode, Robert Taylor, the Deputy Office Director for New Reactors in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation at the NRC, takes listeners behind the scenes and discusses the Agency’s strides in the licensing of advanced reactors. Mr. Taylor demystifies the world of advanced reactors by discussing key differences between traditional and advanced reactors, the NRC’s existing and anticipated (Part 53) licensing framework for advanced reactor technologies, the status of the NRC’s licensing of applications for advanced reactor designs, and best practices for engaging with the Agency. 
★ Support this podcast ★

Creators & Guests

Host
Sarah Backer
Sarah Backer joined ELI as a Research Associate in September 2022. Her current work includes assisting with the Municipal Climate and Waste Reduction Project and supporting the CWA 303(d) Training Workshops. She is also the new host of the ELI People, Places, Planet Podcast. Prior to joining ELI, Sarah interned for the EPA’s Green Power Partnerships, where she researched the program’s contributions to energy equity and developed educational content for stakeholders. Sarah is a recent graduate from Wesleyan University with a BA in Government, specializing in environmental global policy and a minor in the College of East Asian Studies and Mandarin. Her senior thesis analyzed public opinion on democracy and capitalism promotion in the United States since 2016, to evaluate the public’s shifting attitudes about America’s international role. Before college, she grew up in New York City, where she attended a K-12 French immersion school and specialized in French literature and philosophy.
Editor
Colin Gipson-Tansil
Colin Gipson-Tansil joined ELI in January of 2014 by way of the Great Lakes State. Colin serves as ELI’s Senior Digital Media Producer where he oversees digital media needs at seminars, webinars, and events, manages social media sites, assists with support of ELI’s various websites, and produces videos as well as podcasts. Colin earned his M.A. in Producing for Film, TV and Video from American University. Prior to his Master's degree, received his B.A. in Media Arts and Technology with a concentration in Film, Radio and TV from Michigan State University.

What is People Places Planet?

Welcome to People Places Planet, ELI's leading environmental podcast. We talk to leading experts across sectors who share their solutions to the world's most pressing environmental problems. Tune in for the latest environmental law, policy, and governance developments.