<Dd> The current division of regulatory responsibilities for long - term repository performance between the NRC and the EPA is appropriate and should continue . The two agencies should develop new, site - independent safety standards in a formally coordinated joint process that actively engages and solicits input from all the relevant constituencies . </Dd> <Dl> <Dt> Recommendation #6 </Dt> <Dd> The roles, responsibilities, and authorities of local, state, and tribal governments (with respect to facility siting and other aspects of nuclear waste disposal) must be an element of the negotiation between the federal government and the other affected units of government in establishing a disposal facility . In addition to legally - binding agreements, as discussed in Recommendation #4, all affected levels of government (local, state, tribal, etc .) must have, at a minimum, a meaningful consultative role in all other important decisions . Additionally, states and tribes should retain--or where appropriate, be delegated--direct authority over aspects of regulation, permitting, and operations where oversight below the federal level can be exercised effectively and in a way that is helpful in protecting the interests and gaining the confidence of affected communities and citizens . </Dd> </Dl> <Dt> Recommendation #6 </Dt> <Dd> The roles, responsibilities, and authorities of local, state, and tribal governments (with respect to facility siting and other aspects of nuclear waste disposal) must be an element of the negotiation between the federal government and the other affected units of government in establishing a disposal facility . In addition to legally - binding agreements, as discussed in Recommendation #4, all affected levels of government (local, state, tribal, etc .) must have, at a minimum, a meaningful consultative role in all other important decisions . Additionally, states and tribes should retain--or where appropriate, be delegated--direct authority over aspects of regulation, permitting, and operations where oversight below the federal level can be exercised effectively and in a way that is helpful in protecting the interests and gaining the confidence of affected communities and citizens . </Dd>

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