Nuclear Transition: From Three Mile Island to Chernobyl

The regulation of the commercial nuclear power industry in the United States is experiencing a radical transformation caused by dramatic changes in nuclear power markets and politics. This Article addresses the economic and political displacement and realignment of nuclear regulation during the period of transition from the traditional model of regulation to the emerging post-industrial model. The transition dates from March 28, 1979, the date of the incident at Three Mile Island, to April 26, 1986, the date of the Chernobyl accident. Part II describes the nuclear market and the signs of fatigue. Part III discusses the political and regulatory responses to market failure. Part IV discusses the traditional, transitional, and post-industrial models of regulation