ML25052A006
| ML25052A006 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/24/2025 |
| From: | Sabrina Atack NRC/OIP |
| To: | Mark King NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| Download: ML25052A006 (1) | |
Text
M. King MEMORANDUM TO:
Mike King Special Assistant for ADVANCE Act Office of the Executive Director for Operations FROM:
Sabrina Atack, Deputy Director Office of International Programs
SUBJECT:
ADVANCE ACT IMPLEMENTATION - SECTION 101 This memorandum provides an update on the Office of International Programs (OIPs) evaluation of Subsection 101(a) of the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 (ADVANCE Act) and its planned path forward. Subsection 101(a) of the ADVANCE Act requires the NRC to coordinate all work relating to import and export licensing for nuclear reactors and radioactive materials, and international regulatory cooperation and assistance relating to nuclear reactors and radioactive materials. The subsection further requires the NRC to support interagency and international coordination regarding:
(1) international technical standards to establish the licensing and regulatory basis to assist the design, construction, and operation of nuclear reactors and use of radioactive materials; (2) capacity building to develop regulatory organizations and legal frameworks in foreign countries seeking to develop civilian nuclear industries; and (3) exchange programs and training provided to foreign countries, in coordination with the Department of State, relating to licensing and oversight to enhance the regulation of nuclear reactors and radioactive materials for civilian purposes. The Act also requires the NRC to coordinate, as applicable, with the Department of Energy (DOE),
the National Laboratories, private sector, and institutions of higher education on these exchanges programs and training.
The Act also states that the NRC may, but is not required to, establish a new International Nuclear Export and Innovation Branch within OIP to implement the international nuclear export and innovation activities described in subsection 101(a) as the Commission determines to be appropriate and within the mission of the NRC.
Subsection 101 further requires the NRC to coordinate all international activities under this section with the Department of State, DOE, and other applicable agencies, as appropriate.
CONTACT:
Sabrina Atack, OIP 301-287-9057 March 24, 2025 Signed by Atack, Sabrina on 03/24/25
M. King In response to these provisions in the ADVANCE Act, OIP conducted an evaluation of its ongoing and planned activities and resources. OIP currently performs international engagement, capacity building, and exchange programs that are consistent with the ADVANCE Act. Among these activities, the NRC conducts bilateral and multilateral technical exchanges and regulatory information sharing with mature regulatory authorities that have a direct, near-term benefit to the NRCs domestic mission. The NRC also participates in multilateral cooperative activities through the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Energy Agency to positively influence international standards and guidance for nuclear safety and security consistent with U.S.
approaches. Finally, the NRC conducts personnel exchanges and training with both mature counterparts and countries that are developing or expanding their regulatory programs to facilitate the implementation of sound legal frameworks and regulatory programs for nuclear reactor and radioactive materials licensing and oversight.
Since existing programs and responsibilities align with the ADVANCE Act, the NRC will foremost work to continue its current capacity building activities and leverage them to support U.S. government priorities. In evaluating whether to form a new branch within the office, OIP evaluated current and projected workload and budgeted resources, and determined that forming a new branch would be best accomplished once the agency is able to allocate more resources for the international program. In the absence of additional full time equivalent allocations, a reorganization would create in imbalance in the staff-to-supervisor ratios within the office -
creating branches smaller than agency standards and would likely lead to inefficiencies by separating existing functions without adequate technical, policy, and project management support.
If the NRC were to receive increased funding from Congress, OIP could build on the current program by deepening engagement, increasing the availability of training, and expanding its programs into new countries, both bilaterally and in coordination with the Departments of State and Energy. OIP could also enhance export program capabilities to prepare for the policy and licensing activities that need to be in place to support innovation and growth in the nuclear industry with the advent of advanced non-light water reactor designs. The allocation of additional resources would allow hiring of additional staff for planning and managing capacity building activities and export control programs as well as an increased amount of regulatory and technical training to be provided by the Technical Training Center and contractors.
In the interim, the office will continue to monitor the environment for increases in technology transfer applications under 10 CFR Part 810, which serve as a precursor to increased export licensing demand. The NRC will also use contract resources as a surge capacity for training and other capacity building activities, subject to maintaining adequate funding levels. This provides time for the NRC to steadily increase staffing and initiate a reorganization in a sustainable manner. Regardless of resource availability, OIP will apply its resources in a manner that is consistent with the Administrations priorities, in order to prioritize capacity building activities with the greatest benefit to ensure American safety, strength, and prosperity.
ML25052A006 Office OIP: DD OGC OIP: OD OIP: DD Name SAtack GKim NLO DSkeen SAtack Date 02/25/2025 02/28/2025 03/21/2025 03/24/2025