Securing nuclear and radiological material in the homeland

• Main Author: Eack, Kevin D.
• Other Authors: Brannan, Davd
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/3547

CHDS State/Local === It is well established among the intelligence community that terrorists view the acquisition of nuclear or radiological materials (NRAM) as a goal in furtherance of their efforts to attack the U.S. within its borders. The use of NRAM in a nuclear weapon of mass destruction (WMD) or a radiological dispersion device (RDD) could potentially kill and injure thousands of American citizens. The economic impact of such a terrorist act on U.S. soil could cause profound economic damage, and would terrify the nation. While international efforts have been underway for many years to better secure military nuclear weapons and materials, this research finds that a comprehensive national security strategy in the U.S. for commercial nuclear materials is needed. While some strides were made in 2005 through measures taken by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to better secure nuclear generating power facilities, there is no similar comprehensive security strategy for NRAM stored or being transported in the U.S. This poses a potentially serious threat to our homeland security. This research reviews the present statutory and regulatory scheme for NRAM, and outlines a dramatic new approach that will better ensure our homeland security.