Federal Register #2026-14341

NRC Proposed Rulemaking to Modernize Reactor Licensing, Safety Oversight, and Siting Practices

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking public input on a proposed rulemaking to modernize reactor licensing, safety oversight, and siting practices. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice or attachments. - Products/Services Requested: - Submission of a Regulatory Revision Document (quantity: 1) providing comments and guidance on the proposed regulatory changes - Key regulatory areas addressed include: - Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) alternative acceptance criteria (10 CFR 50.46a) - High-Point Vents for Reactor Coolant System (10 CFR 50.46b) - Streamlined Quality Management System (QMS) criteria (Appendix T to 10 CFR part 50) - Allowance for fuel enrichment above 5.0% U-235 (10 CFR 50.68(b)(7) amendment) - Expanded Emergency Preparedness Programs (10 CFR 50.160 amendment) - Decommissioning Funding Assurance alternatives (10 CFR 50.75(b)(2) amendment) - Graded, risk-informed Reactor Site Criteria (10 CFR part 100 amendments) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Voluntary, risk-informed, and performance-based approaches to reactor safety and siting - Flexibility for applicants, including expanded alternatives to codes and standards - Optional submittal of operational programs and streamlined quality assurance criteria - Extended license renewal terms (up to 40 years) - Stakeholder and industry expert input is specifically requested to inform these regulatory changes

Description

This procurement involves a proposed rulemaking process by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to modernize reactor licensing, safety oversight, and siting practices. The rulemaking addresses sections of Executive Order 14300 and includes revisions to regulations to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the NRC's licensing process. The NRC is requesting public comments on the proposed rule and guidance by August 31, 2026. The rule aims to streamline licensing, provide regulatory certainty for new reactor technologies, and adopt a more risk-informed approach to emergency preparedness.

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