Draft Policy Statement on the Restructuring and Economic Deregulation of the Electric Utility Industry

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

10 CFR Part 50

Draft Policy Statement on the Restructuring and Economic

Deregulation of the Electric Utility Industry

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Extension of public comment period.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On September 23, 1996 (61 FR 49711), the NRC published for

public comment a draft policy statement regarding its expectations for,

and intended approach to, its power reactor licensees as the electric

utility industry moves from an environment of rate regulation toward

greater competition. The comment period for this draft policy statement

was originally scheduled to expire on December 9, 1996. In a letter

dated November 6, 1996, the Nuclear Information and Resource Service

requested that the NRC extend the comment period to allow sufficient

time for the industry to air concerns and develop comments. In response

to this request and NRC concerns that the public have ample opportunity

to address the issues raised in the draft policy statement, the NRC has

decided to extend the comment period 60 days.

DATES: The comment period has been extended and now expires on February

9, 1997. Comments submitted after this date will be considered if it is

practical to do so, but assurance of consideration cannot be given

except for comments received on or before this date.

ADDRESSEES: Submit written comments to Secretary, U.S. Nuclear

Regulatory Commission, Attention: Docketing and Service Branch,

Washington, DC 20555. Written comments may also be delivered to 11555

Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, from 7:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Federal

workdays. Copies of written comments received may be examined at the

NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street N.W. (Lower Level), Washington,

DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Wood (301) 415-1255.

Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 6th day of December, 1996.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

John C. Hoyle,

Secretary of the Commission.

[FR Doc. 96-31481 Filed 12-10-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7590-01-P