Reassessing Terrorist Threat to Nuclear Reactors on College Campuses

Thirty-two nuclear research reactors, some still running on enriched uranium with the potential to create an atomic bomb, are located on college campuses across the country.  A recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which oversees campus reactors, has underestimated the risk and consequences of terrorist attacks on college campus nuclear reactors.  The New York Times article highlights the GAO’s report which is questioning “whether NRC’s assessment reflects the full range of security risks and potential consequences of an attack on a research reactor.” 

Several options for decreasing threats to college campus reactors and their communities could and should be taken.  The GAO’s strong report against mediocre NRC security policies hopefully will result in stronger action to ensure campuses do not become terrorist targets.

To view a map of campuses that have nuclear research reactors, click here.