Title: Dysfunction of the regulation of nuclear power in Japan - legal analysis of the Fukushima Disaster and 2012 Reform

Authors: Jotaro Yokoyama

Addresses: Yamanashi Gakuin University, 2-4-5 Sakaori, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400-8575, Japan

Abstract: This paper will present a detailed analysis of 1) the former dysfunctional regulation and public scrutiny of nuclear power in Japan that led to the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant; 2) insufficiency of the 2012 regulatory reform and the Environmental Impact Assessment Law as compared to other countries' laws and regulations; 3) specific examination of proposed solutions: further regulatory reform and the amendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment Law.

Keywords: nuclear power plants; NPP; nuclear energy; Fukushima nuclear disaster; nuclear accidents; Japan; Nuclear Regulation Authority; NRA; citizen participation; public involvement; environmental impact assessment; location assessment; public hearings; civil action; NEPA; regulational dysfunction; legal analysis; 2012 regulatory reform; public scrutiny.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2013.056594

International Journal of Public Policy, 2013 Vol.9 No.4/5/6, pp.245 - 259

Received: 08 Apr 2013
Accepted: 12 Jul 2013

Published online: 31 Jan 2014 *

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