doctrine
Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
No action observed
The administration will pursue expansion of U.S. nuclear energy capacity from about 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050.
“Facilitate the expansion of American nuclear energy capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050” (p. 1)
No action observed
The administration will support continued operation and operational extensions of the current nuclear fleet and reactivation of prematurely shuttered or partially completed facilities.
“Support the continued operation of, and facilitate appropriate operational extensions for, the current nuclear fleet, as well as the reactivation of prematurely shuttered or partially completed nuclear facilities” (p. 2)
No action observed
The NRC will undertake reductions in force in conjunction with its reorganization.
“The NRC shall undertake reductions in force in conjunction with this reorganization, though certain functions may increase in size consistent with the policies in this order, including those devoted to new reactor licensing.” (p. 2)
No action observed
The NRC will create a dedicated team of at least 20 officials to draft new regulations required by this order.
“The NRC shall also create a dedicated team of at least 20 officials to draft the new regulations directed by section 5 of this order.” (p. 2)
No action observed
The personnel and functions of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards will be reduced to the minimum necessary for statutory obligations.
“The personnel and functions of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) shall be reduced to the minimum necessary to fulfill ACRS's statutory obligations.” (p. 2)
Deadline passed · no action observed
The NRC will issue notices of proposed rulemaking to wholesale revise its regulations and guidance within 9 months.
“shall undertake a review and wholesale revision of its regulations and guidance documents, and issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking effecting this revision within 9 months of the date of this order” (p. 2)
No action observed
The NRC will issue final rules and guidance concluding the revision process within 18 months of the order.
“The NRC shall issue final rules and guidance to conclude this revision process within 18 months of the date of this order.” (p. 2)
No action observed
The NRC will establish fixed deadlines for licensing decisions—no more than 18 months for new reactor construction/operation applications and no more than 1 year for continued operation of existing reactors—enforced by caps on hourly fees.
“The deadlines shall include: (1) a deadline of no more than 18 months for final decision on an application to construct and operate a new reactor of any type, commencing with the first required step in the regulatory process, and (2) a deadline of no more than 1 year for final decision on an application to continue operating an existing reactor of any type, commencing with the first required step in the regulatory process.” (p. 2)
No action observed
The NRC will adopt science-based radiation limits and reconsider reliance on the linear no-threshold model and the ALARA standard, in consultation with DOD, DOE, and EPA.
“Adopt science-based radiation limits. In particular, the NRC shall reconsider reliance on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for radiation exposure and the ''as low as reasonably achievable'' standard, which is predicated on LNT.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will revise its NEPA compliance regulations in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality to reflect the 2023 amendments and prior executive order policies.
“Revise, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, NRC regulations governing NRC's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to reflect the Congress's 2023 amendments to that statute and the policies articulated in sections 2 and 5 of Executive Order 14154 of January 20, 2025 (Unleashing American Energy).” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will establish an expedited approval pathway for reactor designs already tested by DOD or DOE.
“Establish an expedited pathway to approve reactor designs that the DOD or the DOE have tested and that have demonstrated the ability to function safely.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will establish a high-volume licensing process for microreactors and modular reactors, including standardized applications and potential general licenses.
“Establish a process for high-volume licensing of microreactors and modular reactors, including by allowing for standardized applications and approvals and by considering to what extent such reactors or components thereof should be regulated through general licenses.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will establish stringent thresholds limiting when it can demand reactor design changes after construction has begun.
“Establish stringent thresholds for circumstances in which the NRC may demand changes to reactor design once construction is underway.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will revise the Reactor Oversight Process and reactor security rules to reduce unnecessary burdens.
“Revise the Reactor Oversight Process and reactor security rules and requirements to reduce unnecessary burdens and be responsive to credible risks.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will reconsider and, as appropriate, extend the time period for which renewed licenses remain effective.
“Reconsider the regulations governing the time period for which a renewed license remains effective, and extend that period as appropriate based on available technological and safety data.” (p. 3)
No action observed
The NRC will streamline its public hearings process.
“Streamline the public hearings process.” (p. 3)