Japan's nuclear regulator has had a major revamp in the two years since lax safety standards contributed to the catastrophic nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 plant, discrediting it in the eyes of the public.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, which used to operate under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry — whose goal had been to promote and expand the use of atomic energy — was abolished and the Nuclear Regulation Authority established last September under the Environment Ministry, creating a more independent watchdog to oversee the nuclear industry and to avoid its predecessor's cozy ties with it.
The NRA is currently finalizing new, stricter safety standards that are to take effect in July.
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