A Study on the Institutional Design Concerning Role-Sharing between National and Local Governments about Nuclear Safety Regulation in Japan

Abstract

  In this paper, we consider the concept and the concrete direction of the institutional design concerning role-sharing between national and local governments with respect to nuclear safety regulation, and propose the following four institutional options: 1) strengthen the regulatory body's independence and clarify its accountability, 2) establish a local information committee in reference to the French CLI (Commission Locale d'Information), 3) institutionalize the environmental monitoring of local governments, and 4) institutionalize consultation among the regulatory body and local governments. Options 2, 3, and 4 are designed on the assumption that option 1 is implemented, because it is thought to be essential for fundamental improvements to enhance the regulatory body's ability as well as to reinforce bridges between safety regulation and society. Each option has some advantages and disadvantages, so there is room for further research into achieving reforms. However, it is believed that these institutional options can lead to the development of a trusting relationship between organizations responsible for safety regulation and siting areas and to the reduction in consensus-building costs in local areas.