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EO 12658Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12658

President's Commission on Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents

This executive order establishes an 11-member presidential commission to study how to fully compensate victims of catastrophic nuclear accidents that exceed existing liability limits under the Atomic Energy Act. The commission must submit a final report to Congress by August 20, 1990, after which it terminates two months later.

53 FR 47517
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Impact dates

  1. Commission terminates (2 months after final report submission)

  2. Final report to Congress due

Key directives

  • Establish 11-member Commission with bipartisan balance
  • Conduct comprehensive study of compensation for catastrophic nuclear accidents exceeding liability limits
  • Submit final report to Congress not later than August 20, 1990
  • Commission terminates 2 months after final report submission
  • Administrator of General Services to perform FACA functions except annual reporting

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Commission established
  • President to appoint 11 members and designate Chairperson

Near term (90d)

  • Agencies directed to provide information and support upon request
  • Staff hiring and administrative setup

Long term

  • Comprehensive study on nuclear accident compensation
  • Final report to Congress by August 20, 1990
  • Commission termination by October 20, 1990

Risks & tensions

  • Long 21-month study period suggests complexity of nuclear liability issues
  • Report subject to presidential review before congressional submission creates potential for political filtering
  • Funding contingent on agency appropriations ('subject to availability of funds') may constrain commission capacity
  • Vague whether 'review by the President' implies approval authority or merely procedural review
Executive Order 12658: President's Commission on Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents · Executive Orders