Press Release-12-026, NRC Seeks Public Input to Fy 2012 Proposed Fee Rule

Press Release-12-026: NRC Seeks Public Input to Fy 2012 Proposed Fee Rule

ML120800462
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Issue date:	03/16/2012
From:	Office of Public Affairs
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Press Release-12-026
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NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 E-mail: opa.resource@nrc.gov Site: www.nrc.gov Blog: http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov No.12-026 March 16, 2012 NRC SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT TO FY 2012 PROPOSED FEE RULE The Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeks public comments on the proposed changes to its regulations for the licensing, inspection and annual fees it charges applicants and licensees for fiscal year (FY) 2012. The proposed fee rule, published today in the Federal Register, includes fees required by law to recover approximately 90 percent of the agencys budget authority.

The NRC received a total appropriation of $1,038.1 million for fiscal year 2012. Based on the FY 2012 budget submitted to the Congress, the total amount of fees the NRC has to recover by Sept. 30 is approximately $909.5 million, about one percent ($6.3 million) less than in FY 2011. Approximately 40 percent of the fees (10 CFR Part 170) will be billed for specific services to recover the cost of special benefits to identifiable applicants and licensees and the remaining 60 percent will be billed as annual fees (10 CFR Part 171).

The proposed rule includes several changes. First, the NRC is proposing to change the current hourly rate of $273 to $274 for FY 2012. This increase in hourly rate is a result of an increase in agency direct budgetary resources from FY 2011. Second, the NRC would revise the flat license application fees in 10 CFR Parts 170.21 and 170.31 to reflect the new hourly rate.

Finally, the FY 2012 proposed annual fees would increase for some licenses due to increased direct budgeted resources for most material users, fuel facilities and transportation. However, the annual fees would decrease for operating nuclear reactors, research and test reactors, spent fuel storage facilities and most uranium recovery licenses.

The NRC is continuing its efforts to keep its fees as low as possible by ensuring its programs are conducted efficiently and effectively, and requesting from Congress only the resources necessary to perform its mission of protecting people and the environment.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by April 16, 2012, and may be submitted through the federal governments Rulemaking website at www.regulations.gov using Docket ID NRC-2011-0207 or by e-mail to Rulemaking.Comments@nrc.gov. They may also be mailed to Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C., 20555-0001, ATTN:

Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff.

For more information on the NRC Plans, Budget and Performance visit the NRC website.

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