The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed sweeping changes to regulations governing nuclear reactor licensing and oversight, eliminating outdated requirements and adopting more risk-informed approaches that the agency said would support safe and efficient nuclear deployment.
The proposal implements Executive Order 14300, which directs the agency to modernize its regulatory framework. Changes apply to both existing nuclear power plants and new reactor applicants, the NRC said.
The proposed modifications include applying more flexible earthquake design standards, removing expiration dates for standard design approvals, updating how the agency establishes requirements for existing facilities, and clarifying defect reporting requirements. The NRC also proposes reducing routine reporting and recordkeeping burdens and refining requirements for plant decommissioning.
Comments may be submitted for 30 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register under Docket ID NRC-2025-1138. The NRC will hold a virtual public meeting during the comment period.