How does the homeland security exercise and evaluation program affect the radiological emergency preparedness program's assessment of reasonable assurance

Commercial nuclear power in the United States depends on government readiness to protect people from the potential harm of a nuclear accident. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) evaluates state and local emergency plans and exercises through its Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP). This State and local preparedness is a requirement for the nuclear power plant's operating license. In 2002, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS developed the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) to help state and local governments prepare for all hazards. As a component of DHS, FEMA adopted HSEEP for all its exercise programs, including REPP. This paper examines state and local emergency management perceptions of how HSEEP integration into REPP affects their preparedness for a radiological emergency