Federal Register #2026-12989

NRC Proposed Rule to Modernize Security and Fitness-for-Duty Requirements

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing updates to modernize security and fitness-for-duty requirements for NRC-licensed facilities. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned in this proposed rule - Products/Services Requested: - No direct procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory update - Notable Requirements and Changes: - Updates to drug and alcohol testing protocols, including enabling oral fluid drug testing - Reduction of annual random drug testing rates for most licensee employees - Streamlining of blind performance testing requirements - Updates to training intervals for security personnel - Elimination of annual audits of HHS-certified laboratories - Increased flexibility in physical security measures for nuclear facilities - Alignment of facility security clearance requirements with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual - Clarifications to security requirements for independent spent fuel storage installations - The NRC is requesting public comment on these proposed regulatory changes

Description

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to revise its regulations to modernize security and fitness-for-duty requirements to enhance efficiency, consistent with Executive Order 14300. The proposed revisions aim to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring safety and security at NRC-licensed facilities. Key changes include updates to drug and alcohol testing, security requirements for independent spent fuel storage installations, and modernization of physical security requirements. The NRC requests public comments on the proposed rule by July 27, 2026.

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