More Nuclear Waste Canisters OK'd at Nine Mile Point
Published Date: 3/11/2025
Notice
Summary
Constellation Energy is getting the green light to store more spent nuclear fuel at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station using special canisters, even though some usual rules won’t be fully met. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission checked the environmental impact and found no big problems, so this change can happen safely. This update starts on March 11, 2025, and helps keep nuclear waste stored securely without extra costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption allows 9 existing + 6 new canisters
The NRC issued an exemption allowing Nine Mile Point to keep nine already loaded MPC-89-CBS canisters in the HI-STORM Flood/Wind storage system and to load six new MPC-89-CBS canisters beginning in May 2025, even though those canisters do not meet the terms, conditions, and specifications of Certificate of Compliance No. 1032, Amendment No. 3, Revision No. 0. The exemption pertains to specific regulatory provisions in 10 CFR (72.212(a)(2), 72.212(b)(3), 72.212(b)(5)(i), 72.212(b)(11), and 72.214).
Denial would increase worker risk and operational burden
If the exemption were denied (the no-action alternative), Constellation would have to unload the MPC-89-CBS canisters, which the NRC said would subject station personnel to additional radiation exposure, generate additional contaminated waste, increase the risk of fuel-handling and heavy-load accidents, and could affect spent fuel pool capacity, reactor refueling/offloading, and availability of specialized workforce and equipment.
No significant environmental impact found
The NRC's Environmental Assessment concluded the exemption would not cause significant environmental impacts: there would be no significant change in effluents released, no significant increase in individual or cumulative public or occupational radiation exposure, and no significant increase in the potential for or consequences from radiological accidents. The EA and FONSI are available March 11, 2025.
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: 2025-03815, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Benefit Rights and Experience Report
The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info on unemployment benefits to make sure people qualify based on their work history. They’re asking for public feedback by May 12, 2025, to keep paperwork easy and clear. This helps the government track benefit rights without making things complicated or costly for anyone involved.
Next: 2025-03817, Notice of Public Meeting of the Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
The Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a virtual meeting on March 19, 2025, to vote on their final report about public school attendance zones in Colorado. This meeting affects Colorado residents interested in school policies and civil rights. The public can join, speak briefly, and send written comments within 30 days after the meeting.