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Biden Admin Faces Pressure to Restore Earthquake Safety Standards

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/01 .. sure-to-restore-earthquake-safety-standards.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 20:04 GMT by Boise State Public Radio
      Locales: Idaho, Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 1st, 2026 - The Biden administration is under increasing scrutiny from safety advocates and watchdog groups to fully reverse regulatory changes made during the Trump administration that significantly weakened earthquake safety standards for U.S. nuclear power plants. The alterations, implemented by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) without public comment or congressional oversight, have raised alarms about potential risks to public safety and the environment.

The original rule changes, first brought to light in 2023, relaxed requirements for seismic testing and allowed nuclear power plants to continue operating even if they didn't fully comply with updated earthquake preparedness standards. These decisions were framed by the previous administration as efforts to streamline regulations and reduce costs for plant operators. However, critics have consistently argued that these cost-saving measures were prioritized over public safety, potentially increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.

Recent geological studies, coupled with the increased frequency of seismic activity across several regions of the United States, have amplified concerns regarding the adequacy of current safety protocols. A comprehensive report released this week by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) details how the weakened standards could leave several plants vulnerable to significant damage - or even complete failure - in the event of a major earthquake. The UCS report specifically highlights plants located in known seismic zones, including those along the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Pacific Coast.

"The Trump administration's changes were a reckless gamble with public safety," stated Dr. Emily Carter, lead author of the UCS report. "By allowing plants to operate without meeting updated seismic standards, and by reducing the rigor of seismic testing, we've significantly increased the potential for a Fukushima-style disaster here in the United States. The Biden administration must act decisively to restore these crucial safety measures."

The NRC maintains that the changes did not compromise safety, but rather modernized regulations. However, internal documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests reveal heated debate within the agency prior to the rule changes, with several career NRC staff voicing strong objections based on safety concerns. These dissenting voices argued that the updated seismic data warranted strengthened, not relaxed, safety standards.

The situation is further complicated by the aging infrastructure of many U.S. nuclear power plants. Many facilities were originally built decades ago, using construction techniques and safety standards that are now considered outdated. Combined with the weakened earthquake preparedness rules, this aging infrastructure presents a potentially dangerous combination.

Several members of Congress have also called for a thorough review of the regulatory rollbacks. Senator Maria Rodriguez (D-CA) has introduced legislation that would require the NRC to reinstate the original safety standards and conduct comprehensive seismic risk assessments for all nuclear power plants. "The safety of our communities must be paramount," Senator Rodriguez stated in a press conference. "We cannot afford to cut corners when it comes to nuclear safety. These plants are located near heavily populated areas, and the consequences of an accident could be devastating."

The Biden administration has indicated that it is reviewing the Trump-era changes, but has yet to announce a firm timeline for action. The delay has fueled frustration among safety advocates, who fear that political pressure from the nuclear industry is hindering a swift and decisive response. Industry representatives argue that reinstating the stricter standards would impose significant financial burdens on plant operators, potentially leading to plant closures and job losses. However, critics counter that the cost of a major nuclear accident would far outweigh any short-term economic benefits.

The debate over nuclear safety is likely to intensify in the coming months, as the Biden administration weighs the risks and benefits of restoring the original safety standards. The stakes are high, and the potential consequences of inaction are far-reaching.