Nuke Regulators Hike Fees, Bribe Advanced Reactor Dreams
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects for fiscal year 2025. They’re aiming to cover nearly all their costs while offering lower hourly rates for advanced nuclear reactor applicants. If you’re involved with nuclear licensing, get ready for these changes and submit your feedback by March 21, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Operating reactor annual fee edges up
The NRC proposes the annual fee per operating power reactor to increase from $5,336,000 (FY 2024 final rule) to $5,359,000 in FY 2025; combined with the spent fuel storage/reactor decommissioning fee of $341,000, the total combined proposed annual fee per operating reactor is $5,700,000 for FY 2025.
Spent fuel storage/decommissioning fee rises to $341K
The NRC proposes the annual fee per spent fuel storage/reactor decommissioning facility to increase from $326,000 (FY 2024) to $341,000 in FY 2025, with the total required annual fee recovery for the fee class rising to $42.3 million.
Professional hourly rate rises to $323
The NRC proposes increasing its professional hourly rate from $317 to $323 (a 2.0 percent increase) for FY 2025, with the professional hourly rate expected to be effective in August 2025. This higher hourly rate is used to calculate hourly billings and many flat application fees.
Flat application fees recalculated and rounded
The NRC proposes to recalculate flat application fees using the $323 professional hourly rate and to apply rounding rules: fees under $1,000 rounded to the nearest $10, fees between $1,000 and $100,000 rounded to the nearest $100, and fees over $100,000 rounded to the nearest $1,000. These revised flat fees apply to applicable materials licensing actions filed on or after the effective date of the final FY 2025 fee rule.
Low-level waste (LLW) surcharge of $4.005M
The NRC proposes a generic low-level waste (LLW) surcharge of $4.005 million for FY 2025, allocated across fee classes. Operating power reactors would be allocated 85.0 percent ($3.404 million) of the surcharge, fuel facilities 11.9 percent ($0.477 million), and materials users 3.1 percent ($0.124 million).
Mixed changes to materials user annual fees
The NRC's rebaselining changes annual fees for various materials-license categories: for example, Radiographers (Category 3O) would see a decrease from $43,700 to $30,600, 'All Other Specific Byproduct Material Licensees' would increase from $14,600 to $15,100, 'Medical Other (Category 7C)' would change from $21,400 to $20,900, and 'Device/Product Safety Evaluation--Broad (Category 9A)' would change from $29,800 to $25,900.
Reduced hourly rate for advanced reactor applicants
The NRC will implement a separate Reduced Hourly Rate for advanced nuclear reactor applicants and pre-applicants for certain activities, with the Reduced Hourly Rate taking effect October 1, 2025 (FY 2026). The rule establishes two hourly rates: the professional hourly rate and the Reduced Hourly Rate for advanced reactor applicants/pre-applicants.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02774, Amendment of Jet Route J-146 and Establishment of United States RNAV Route Q-186 in the Vicinity of Chardon, OH
The FAA is updating flight paths near Chardon, Ohio, by changing Jet Route J-146 and creating a new RNAV Route Q-186 because the Chardon VOR navigation system is being shut down. This affects pilots and airlines flying in that area, helping them navigate safely with newer tech. Comments on this change are open until April 7, 2025, and there’s no expected cost impact for travelers or airlines.
Next: 2025-02788, Chlorpyrifos; Tolerance Revocation; Reopening of the Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period for 30 more days on its plan to cancel most chlorpyrifos pesticide residue limits, except for a few crops like apples and cotton. This affects farmers, food producers, and anyone concerned about pesticide safety. The extra time lets people share their thoughts before the final decision, which could impact farming practices and food prices.