Japan: Separating the Regulatory Agency from the Ministry in Charge of Promoting Nuclear Power

[Wilms]

Nitrogen injected into unit of disabled Japan nuclear plant

Move by operator meant to prevent possible explosion

By Andrew Pollack
New York Times / April 7, 2011

snip

The government is also considering strengthening oversight of the nuclear industry by separating the regulatory agency from the ministry in charge of promoting nuclear power. The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, which is part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has been criticized for being too cozy with companies it is supposed to police.

Last week, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said he would consider whether to remove the conflict of interest and how to do so.

This could include moving the regulatory body under control of the Cabinet and merging it with an advisory group, according to a report yesterday in the newspaper Mainichi Shimbun.

snip

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/04/07/nitrogen_injected_into_unit_of_disabled_japan_nuclear_plant/