IAEA Says Japan Nuclear Regulators Need More Oversight Power

Japan’s nuclear regulators need more powers to prevent a repeat of the Fukushima disaster, which was triggered by insufficient defenses against the March earthquake and tsunami, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

“Nuclear regulatory systems should address extreme external events adequately, including their periodic review, and should ensure that regulatory independence and clarity of roles are preserved in all circumstances in line with IAEA safety standards,” the UN agency said today in a report on the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant disaster.