It has surfaced that the Cabinet Offices's Atomic Energy Commission, in the course of its review of Japan's nuclear fuel cycle policy, has held a series of closed-door study meetings attended by insiders in the nation's nuclear power establishment. These meetings were separate from the official meetings held by the commission's subcommittee that is dealing with the issue.
It has also come to light that a report submitted to a May 8 meeting of the subcommittee by the commission had been changed to reflect the views supported by the nuclear power establishment. If true, the commission's act has completely destroyed any semblance of neutrality and transparency as well as further deepened distrust in the nation's nuclear policy.
It is also known that a sizable number of workers working in the commission's secretariat are on loan from utility companies, nuclear reactor makers and a pro-power industry think. The commission needs a complete overhaul.