[en] This paper presents the substance of a proposed policy statement for nuclear power plants issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for public comment. The focus is on reactor accidents which may release radioactive materials from the reactor to the environment. Proposed qualitative goals and associated numerical guidelines for nuclear power plant accident risks are presented. The qualitative goals state that the risk of a nuclear power plant accident not be a significant contributor to a person's risk of accidental death or injury and that a limit be placed on the societal risks posed by reactor accidents. The significance of the goals and guidelines, their bases and rationale, and their proposed mode of implementation are indicated