PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal emergency officials will evaluate Pennsylvania’s ability to protect communities near the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station during a nuclear emergency preparedness exercise the week of October 19, 2026, with findings to inform federal oversight of the facility.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the biennial exercise to assess state and local government response capabilities within the nuclear plant’s 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone.
The evaluation will focus on emergency preparedness measures outside the facility, including the ability of government agencies to respond to a potential radiological incident and protect surrounding communities.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate the government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Andre C. McCoy, regional administrator for FEMA Region 3.
FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program evaluates offsite emergency planning and response activities conducted by state and local governments. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission maintains responsibility for activities within nuclear plant boundaries.
The distinction places FEMA’s assessment on the readiness of public agencies responsible for protecting nearby residents rather than the plant’s internal operating procedures.
FEMA will submit its evaluation to the NRC within 90 days of the exercise. The commission will use the findings in its nuclear facility licensing decisions.
A final public report is expected approximately 120 days after the exercise.
Federal officials will present preliminary findings at a public meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, October 23, at the Courtyard by Marriott Wilkes-Barre Arena, 879 Schechter Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Representatives from FEMA and the NRC are expected to participate.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for public review of the exercise findings. FEMA may require questions or comments to be submitted in writing for subsequent review and response.
Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or mailing correspondence to Andre C. McCoy, Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3, 615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
FEMA established the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program to evaluate government readiness for potential accidents at commercial nuclear power plants and support public education about radiological emergency procedures.
The October exercise will form part of the recurring federal assessment process used to determine whether Pennsylvania’s offsite emergency response capabilities meet preparedness expectations for communities surrounding the Susquehanna facility.
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