Which federal agency is primarily responsible for regulating radiation safety in the United States?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the federal agency primarily responsible for regulating radiation safety in the United States. The NRC's mission encompasses the oversight of commercial nuclear power plants and other nuclear materials to ensure safe use and protection of the public and the environment from the hazards associated with radioactive materials. Its regulatory framework includes licensing, inspections, enforcement, and establishing safety standards that govern the use of nuclear energy and materials.

The NRC plays a crucial role in both the operational safety of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of radioactive substances, thus making it the central authority in radiation safety regulation. Its regulations directly impact not only operators of nuclear plants but also medical facilities that use radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

In contrast, other federal agencies also have important roles but within different scopes. The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental protection, including radiation discharges and contamination, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration primarily oversees workplace safety regulations, including addressing occupational exposure to hazardous substances, which may include radiation but does not specialize solely in it. The Department of Energy, although involved in nuclear energy and research, primarily focuses on energy production and technology rather than direct regulation of radiation safety. Hence, the NRC stands out as the definitive authority in the regulation of radiation safety in the