NRC Rule Could Provide Qualified Public Access to Classified Data

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, anticipating an upcoming hearing on operation of the radioactive waste repository in Yucca Mountain, Nevada, has published a final rule in which it says it will allow access to classified information on a “need to know” basis. The rule sets out procedures by which environmental groups that might participate in the hearing could seek necessary security clearance. The NRC originally issued the rule last December, then withdrew it when seven environmental groups objected. The final rule is unchanged from the original. (6/15/05)