Japan has decided in principle to set up a new nuclear regulatory agency under the Environment Ministry instead of the Trade Ministry.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Thursday, August 11, that the Cabinet is expected to approve the plan next week.

There has been growing criticism that the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has become too cozy with the industry and should be removed from the Trade Ministry, which promotes nuclear energy.

Public opinion has turned against nuclear regulators and the industry following the March 11 tsunami that triggered the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.

The new entity would still require parliamentary approval before its expected launch next April, AP reported.