Japan to set up atomic safety regulator

Japan plans to set up a new atomic safety regulator under the Environment Ministry by merging the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency with another government advisory body.

The new environment agency will monitor and frame tougher safety standards for nuclear power operators.  It will be headed by the environment minister and will also be responsible for nuclear accident investigations.

The move has been made in response to the power crisis at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Nuclear Crisis Minister Goshi Hosono intends to implement plans for a regulator agency as early as next April, subject to the approval from parliament.