ML26064A052
| ML26064A052 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/03/2026 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| News Release-26-027 | List: |
| References | |
| News Release-26-027 | |
| Download: ML26064A052 (0) | |
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
No: 26-027 March 3, 2026 CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200 NRC Proposes Significantly Restructured Hearing Timeline to Minimize Delays The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a proposed rule for comment, which would streamline Atomic Safety and Licensing Board adjudicatory hearings on most license applications, including new reactors and reactor license renewals.
This rule is part of broader reforms from Executive Order 14300 aimed at increasing U.S. nuclear capacity and to reestablish the United States as the global leader in nuclear energy.
EO 14300 directs the NRC to complete licensing actions within 12 to 18 months, or faster.
Historically, NRC adjudications have extended well past these timeframes. This rulemaking would enable the NRC to meet these deadlines for applications even when they are the subject of hearing requests by reforming its contested hearing process to accelerate timelines, simplify procedures, reduce burdens, while preserving due process. Specifically, the amendment would:
- Resolve evidentiary hearings in a few months.
- Start hearings as early as possible after a challenge is admitted for hearing; ensure that later-filed challenges do not unnecessarily delay NRC licensing decisions.
- Reduce discovery burdens for all parties and accelerate appeals.
- Ensure independent legal and technical judges would still preside over contested hearings, maintaining fairness for all parties and accurate decisions that protect public safety and security.
Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until April 2, following publication in the Federal Register. Comments can be submitted, referencing Docket ID NRC-2025-1501, at regulations.gov; the Register notice will include additional instructions.
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