NRC Upgrades MAGNASTOR Casks for Safer Nuke Waste Storage
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to update the rules for storing used nuclear fuel with new designs and improvements to the NAC International MAGNASTOR Storage System. This update adds safer, stronger, and more flexible storage options, including new cask designs and fuel types. Anyone involved in nuclear fuel storage should check out these changes and send comments by April 21, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New lightweight transfer cask variation
Amendment No. 15 adds a new variation of the Lightweight MAGNASTOR® Transfer Cask design to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. This change lets operators use an approved alternate transfer-cask design under the NRC listing.
Addition of a concrete cask design
Amendment No. 15 adds a new concrete cask design to the MAGNASTOR® Storage System listing in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. Licensees may rely on this newly approved concrete cask design for dry storage at reactor sites.
Higher maximum system head load capacity
Amendment No. 15 increases the maximum system head load capacity for the MAGNASTOR® Storage System in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. The rule text states the capacity limit is increased but does not provide a numeric value in this notice.
Removal of 5% burnup penalty
Amendment No. 15 removes a 5 percent burnup penalty that previously applied to the MAGNASTOR® Storage System as listed in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. The removal of the 5 percent penalty is explicitly stated in the amendment description.
Increased Passive transfer cask heat load
Amendment No. 15 increases the heat load allowed for the Passive MAGNASTOR® Transfer Cask in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. The amendment text explicitly states an increase in permissible heat load.
Two new PWR fuel types approved
Amendment No. 15 adds two new pressurized-water reactor (PWR) fuel types to the approved contents for the MAGNASTOR® Storage System in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031 to support future operations. The amendment explicitly states the addition of two PWR fuel types.
New loading patterns and thermal shunt
Amendment No. 15 adds new loading patterns and adds a thermal shunt specifically for short loading patterns to the MAGNASTOR® design in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. These changes modify how fuel can be arranged and managed in the cask system.
Canister lid clearance modification
Amendment No. 15 modifies the transportable storage canister lid to allow additional clearance near the top center of the basket as part of Certificate of Compliance No. 1031 revisions. The amendment explicitly describes this lid clearance change.
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: 2025-04543, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you own or work with Airbus EC225LP helicopters, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance rules to keep flying safe. They’re proposing new, stricter checks based on European safety advice, and they want your feedback by May 5, 2025. These changes help prevent problems but might mean some extra work and costs for helicopter operators.
Next: 2025-04653, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources Technology Review; Comment Period Extension
The EPA is giving more time for people to share their thoughts on new pollution rules for chemical factories. If you work in or care about chemical manufacturing, you now have until April 14, 2025, to comment. This extension helps make sure everyone’s voice is heard before any changes that could affect costs or operations are finalized.