Federal Register #NRC-2025-1502

NRC Final Rule: Increased Flexibility in Mandatory Hearing Process for Licensing Proceedings

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a final rule to revise its rules of practice and procedure for mandatory hearings in licensing proceedings. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Washington, DC - Purpose and Scope: - Implements increased flexibility in the conduct of mandatory hearings for NRC licensing proceedings - Responds to the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 (ADVANCE Act) and Executive Order 14300 - Products/Services Requested: - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are requested or mentioned - This is a regulatory change, not a procurement action - Notable Requirements and Impacts: - Removes certain procedural requirements for presiding officer findings in mandatory hearings that are not required by statute - Does not alter the license application or review process - Expected to streamline the NRC hearing process and potentially shorten review times - No impact on safety standards or significant costs anticipated - Applicability: - Applies to NRC adjudicatory proceedings concerning nuclear reactors and related licensing activities

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a final rule revising its rules of practice and procedure to increase flexibility in conducting mandatory hearings in NRC licensing proceedings. This change responds to the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 and Executive Order 14300, aiming to streamline the hearing process and potentially shorten NRC review times. The rule removes certain presiding officer findings not required by statute, without changing the license application or review process, and is effective May 15, 2026. It is expected to improve efficiency without impacting safety or imposing significant costs.

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