ML25030A326
| ML25030A326 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/06/2025 |
| From: | NRC/OCM |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML25002A198 | List: |
| References | |
| M250206 | |
| Download: ML25030A326 (1) | |
Text
Stephen G. Burns Senior Visiting Fellow Perspectives on Modernizing NRCs Processes to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness of Advanced Reactor Regulation Commission briefing on ADVANCE Act activities - February 6, 2025
ADVANCE Act mandates regulatory and licensing enhancements for new and emerging technologies Establishing a licensing structure to support efficient, timely, and predictable regulatory reviews, with specific efforts focused on licensing at brownfield and retired fossil-fuel electric generating sites and on siting at existing nuclear plant sites (secs. 505, 206 & 207);
Developing a regulatory framework for microreactors (sec. 208);
Identifying unique issues related to use of advanced reactors for non-electric applications (sec. 203);
Evaluating advanced manufacturing techniques to build nuclear reactors better, faster, cheaper, and smarter (sec. 401);
Qualifying and licensing of advanced nuclear fuel concepts (sec. 404);
Assessing the licensing framework for mass-manufactured fusion devices (sec. 205);
Streamlining the environmental review process (sec. 506).
NRC has risen to the challenge before
- Part 52 was originally developed in the 1980s to improve licensing process and enhance standardization.
- Effort was focused in the 1990s on preparing for reactor license renewals.
- The Reactor Oversight Process was adopted in 2000 to provide a more focused risk-informed assessment of licensee performance.
- Outcomes under the Licensing Modernization Project provided guidance on non-light water reactors.
Where to focus - the Regulatory Craft
- Leverage whats been done and whats known from past experience.
- Remember the agency has broad discretion under its statutory mandates to meet its objectives.
- Adapt to the evolution of technologies and their projected applications.
- Allow innovation.
- Make processes more timely and efficient.
Where to focus - the Regulatory Craft (2)
- Keep all levels of the agency aware of progress.
- Ensure timely resolution of disputes and conflicts by raising to appropriate management levels.
- Ensure collaborative work among technical, legal and other staff - avoid siloes!
- Keep stakeholders informed and provide for their contribution.
- Focus on the objectives without being entangled by process-itis.