President's Commission on Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents

Energy & Environment Defense & Security Democracy & Governance

In simple terms

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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Record & deadlines

Nov 18, 1988Signed
Signed by the President
Nov 23, 1988FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 53 FR 47517
Date TBD
Commission terminates (2 months after final report submission)
Aug 20, 1990
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

Related orders

What to expect

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