State & Tribal Programs
State & Tribal Programs at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) encompass the following areas:
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Through the Agreement State Program, 37 States have signed formal agreements with the NRC, under which those States have assumed regulatory responsibility over certain byproduct and source material, as well as small quantities of special nuclear material. The NRC assists States intending to become Agreement States, and reviews and approves new Agreements. NRC technical assistance to Agreement States continues after the agreement is signed. The NRC also reviews Agreement State programs for continued adequacy to protect public health and safety, and ensure compatibility with the agency's regulatory program. The NRC and Agreement States jointly develop new regulations, regulatory guidance, and other regulatory initiatives.
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Through the Federal, State, and Tribal Liaison Program, the NRC works in cooperation with Federal, State, and local governments, interstate organizations and Native American tribes. This cooperation ensures that the NRC maintains effective relations and communications with these organizations. It also promotes greater awareness and mutual understanding of the policies, activities, and concerns of all parties involved, as they relate to radiological safety at NRC-licensed facilities.
To foster effective interaction with Native American tribes, NRC staff in the Federal, State, and Tribal Liaison Program employ the Tribal Protocol Manual. For additional information, see Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs serves as the primary contact for NRC policy matters for these program areas, while the NRC’s Headquarters and Regional Offices implement day-to-day program activities.
