Which organization regulates the use of nuclear materials for safety?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the organization primarily responsible for regulating the use of nuclear materials to ensure safety. The NRC's mission includes overseeing the commercial nuclear power industry and the use of nuclear materials in various applications, such as medical and research facilities. This regulatory body establishes safety standards, conducts inspections, and enforces compliance to protect public health and the environment from the potential hazards associated with the use of nuclear materials.

In contrast, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does play a role in environmental protection and regulating certain aspects of nuclear waste management, its focus is broader and does not specifically encompass the regulation of nuclear materials in terms of safety standards for their use. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses workplace safety and health hazards but is not specifically tasked with regulating the use of nuclear materials. Similarly, the Department of Energy (DOE) is involved in energy production and managing the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and related research but does not regulate the safety of nuclear materials in the same way the NRC does.