Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating the siting of nuclear facilities?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the primary agency responsible for regulating the siting of nuclear facilities in the United States. The NRC's primary mission is to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. This includes regulating the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as overseeing the licensing of new nuclear facilities and their locations to ensure they meet safety requirements.

The NRC evaluates site-specific data to assess potential risks and impacts of nuclear facilities on the public and the environment. This encompasses considerations such as population density, the geology of the site, proximity to water sources, and emergency preparedness. The NRC's regulations aim to minimize risks associated with nuclear energy and ensure that facilities operate within safe limits.

Other agencies like the federal health department, national environmental protection agency, and consumer product safety commission do play roles in various aspects of public health and safety, but none are specifically tasked with regulating the siting of nuclear facilities in the same comprehensive manner as the NRC.