ML25174A353
| ML25174A353 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/23/2025 |
| From: | Phil Brochman, Johari Moore NRC/NSIR/DPCP/MSB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25174A353 (10) | |
Text
Phil Brochman, Sr. Policy Analyst Material Security Branch Division of Physical and Cybersecurity Policy Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Discussion on Options for Follow-On Enhanced Weapons Rulemaking June 26, 2025 Public Meeting With Industry and Stakeholders
2 Meeting Category and Public Participation This is an Information Meeting with Question-and-Answer session. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the NRC staff.
The NRC is seeking industry perspectives but is not actively soliciting comments towards regulatory decisions in this meeting.
3 Meeting Purpose
- The NRC staff will discuss options for a follow-on Enhanced Weapons Rule (EWR) implementing Section 161A of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
- The NRC staff is seeking industry perspectives on these options.
4 Enhanced Weapons Rulemaking On March 14, 2023, the NRC issued a final EWR (88 FR 15864) designating classes of facilities and activities eligible for enhanced weapons authority, including power reactors and Category I special nuclear material (SNM) fuel cycle facilities (FCFs), waste storage facilities, and transportation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
5 Discussion Table 1: Follow-on EWR - Potential Eligible Classes of Facilities and Activities
6 Discussion (cont.)
- The staff is seeking updated Commission direction before conducting the follow-on EWR effort.
- Since issuing the proposed EWR in 2011, the staff has received no indication of interest in obtaining Sect. 161A authority by licensees or applicants other than those in the classes of facilities and activities already specified as eligible in the final EWR under 10 CFR 73.15(c).
- Under Sect. 161A, the Commission can designate by order additional classes of facilities and activities as eligible to apply for Sect. 161A authority.
7 Rulemaking Options The NRC staff identified two potential options to be considered in a paper to the Commission:
1.
Continue the follow-on EWR, as previously directed.
2.
Discontinue the follow-on EWR and issue orders on a case-by-case basis.
8 Next Steps
- The staff will develop an options paper for the Commissions consideration of a follow-on enhanced weapons rulemaking.
- The staff plans to submit the paper to the Commission in the 4th quarter of CY 2025.
9 Questions & Feedback The NRC is seeking feedback from industry on interest in applying for Section 161A authority.
10 Closing
- The NRC appreciates the views and feedback expressed during this meeting.
- CONTACTS:
- Phil Brochman, 301-287-3691; Phil.Brochman@nrc.gov
- Johari Moore, 301-287-3787; Johari.moore@nrc.gov