Nuclear nonproliferation. DOE has insufficient control over nuclear technology exports
The Atomic Energy Act and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 place primary responsibility for controlling nuclear exports with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and DOE. The acts require persons or companies intending to export nuclear technology - such as information, engineering services, and certain equipment - to obtain the authorization of the Secretary of Energy. The Secretary can authorize an export only upon determining that it would not be detrimental to US interests and with the concurrence of the Department of State. The 1978 act directed the Secretary to quickly establish any necessary standards. DOE has not established objective standards for specifically authorizing exports. It approves exports on the basis of nonproliferation, political, and economic considerations. Because DOE gives considerable weight to political and economic factors, a significant inconsistency exists in DOE and Commission export controls. DOE has also authorized exports without review for sensitive nuclear technology and on the basis of factors not contained in the 1978 act. Reports containing significant information about nuclear facilities and operations have been exported, under a general authorization, without DOE review. This occurred because DOE does not require advance review of reports that, although based on publicly available information, contain new analyses and are not publicly available.
- Research Organization:
- General Accounting Office, Washington, DC (USA). Resources, Community and Economic Development Div.
- OSTI ID:
- 5233722
- Report Number(s):
- GAO/RCED-86-144; ON: TI86901795
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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