Federal Register #2026-17818

Army Adopts DOE Categorical Exclusion for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Projects

The Department of the Army is announcing its adoption of a Department of Energy (DOE) categorical exclusion (CATEX) for advanced nuclear reactor projects under NEPA Section 109. - Government Buyer: - Department of Defense, Department of the Army - OEMs and Vendors: - Department of Energy (DOE) is the only OEM/vendor referenced - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products, part numbers, or quantities are requested - The CATEX covers activities related to advanced nuclear reactors, including: - Authorization - Siting - Construction - Operation - Reauthorization - Decommissioning - Example projects include microreactor nuclear power plants (MNPs) on Army installations - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Adoption is intended to streamline environmental review for advanced nuclear reactor projects - Safety and waste management criteria must be met - Screening for extraordinary circumstances is required - Consultation process between Department of Army and DOE is outlined - No procurement or solicitation for products or services is included in this notice

Description

The Department of the Army (DA) is adopting a categorical exclusion (CATEX) established by the Department of Energy (DOE) under Section 109 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This adoption identifies the types of actions to which DA will apply the CATEX, considerations for determining applicability, and consultation with DOE including screening for extraordinary circumstances. The CATEX adopted relates to advanced nuclear reactors, covering authorization, siting, construction, operation, reauthorization, and decommissioning, provided certain safety and waste management criteria are met. DA plans to use this CATEX for authorizing construction and operation of advanced reactors on Army installations to enhance mission capabilities and operational efficiencies.

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