NRC Greenlights Nuclear Waste Cask Upgrades for Safer Storage

2026-19568, Regulatory Enhancements for Reactor Licensing, Decommissioning, and Operational Oversight

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating rules for nuclear reactor licensing, shutting down old reactors, and keeping an eye on operations to make everything safer and clearer. These changes affect reactor operators and companies involved in decommissioning, with a public comment deadline on November 9, 2026. The updates aim to streamline processes and improve oversight without signaling big cost changes yet.

2026-14341, Modernizing Reactor Licensing, Safety Oversight, and Siting Practices

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating the rules for how nuclear reactors get licensed, checked for safety, and where they can be built. These changes will make the process faster and clearer, helping new clean energy get on the grid sooner. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until August 31, 2026, to comment—this could also save money by cutting red tape!

2026-13687, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating how it follows the National Environmental Policy Act to make reviews faster, clearer, and less of a hassle. These changes affect anyone applying for nuclear licenses or permits, cutting down on paperwork and focusing only on important environmental impacts. You’ve got until August 21, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules take shape!

2026-12067, Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2026

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects starting August 17, 2026. These changes make sure the NRC covers nearly all its costs while setting clear fee limits to keep prices predictable and fair. If you hold a license or apply for one, expect some fee adjustments that help the NRC run smoothly and efficiently.

2026-08550, Licensing Requirements for Microreactors and Other Reactors With Comparable Risk Profiles

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is making it easier and faster to get licenses for small nuclear reactors, called microreactors, by creating simpler rules that match their lower risks. This change helps companies build more of these reactors quickly while keeping safety strong. If you’re involved in making or using these reactors, get ready to share your thoughts by June 15, 2026, and expect a smoother, less costly approval process soon.

2026-08015, Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission just updated the rules for checking the environmental impact of new nuclear reactors. This makes it easier and faster to review many reactors by using a common set of environmental factors, while still looking closely at unique site details. The new rules kick in on May 26, 2026, helping companies save time and money when applying to build new reactors.

Previous: 2025-02741, HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs; Correction

The SBA fixed some small but important mistakes in its recent HUBZone and small business program rules to make things clearer and fairer. These corrections affect small businesses using HUBZone and other SBA programs, especially around size protests and financial reporting. The fixes take effect on February 18, 2025, helping businesses avoid confusion and unnecessary paperwork.

Next: 2025-02544, Cremated Remains Packaging Requirements

Starting March 1, 2025, anyone mailing human or animal cremated remains must use special packaging supplied by the Postal Service. This new rule replaces the old one where any box with a special label was allowed. It’s designed to make shipping ashes safer and easier to track, with no extra cost for the packaging itself.