NRC Considers Updating the Technical Rulebook for Nuclear Plant Safety
Published Date: 6/6/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing a request to update rules for nuclear plant safety codes and standards. This affects nuclear facility operators by potentially changing some technical requirements and removing outdated conditions. The NRC wants your thoughts by August 5, 2025, before deciding on any final rule changes that could impact how plants operate and maintain safety.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove old IEEE safety standards requirement
The petitioner asks the NRC to delete 10 CFR 50.55a(h), removing the requirement to meet several IEEE safety-system standards (IEEE Std 279-1968, 279-1971, and 603-1991). The petitioner says these standards are dated and overly prescriptive for current technologies and that removing them would reduce unnecessary regulatory constraints on nuclear facility operators.
Remove mechanical joint pressure-testing condition
The petitioner asks the NRC to delete section XI Condition 10 CFR 50.55a(b)(2)(xxvi), which requires pressure testing of Class 1, 2, and 3 mechanical joints. The petitioner states that post-testing maintenance already demonstrates leak tightness and that removing this requirement would provide an efficiency gain by eliminating a redundant regulatory step.
Permit construction before owner is established (Code Case N-883)
The petitioner proposes including ASME Code Case N-883 (Rev. 0) to allow fabrication to begin prior to establishment of an owner, as may be needed for factory-built advanced reactors. The petitioner states this permits earlier fabrication, supports shorter plant construction durations, and is consistent with existing Code practice for small items.
Permit remote verification and witnessing (N-916)
The petitioner seeks inclusion of ASME Code Case N-916 to allow remote verification and witnessing of certain activities (Section III), citing successful use of remote methods during the COVID-19 pandemic with no documented safety consequences. The petitioner says the technology now exists to support remote witnessing and that this will improve efficiency.
Accept non-destructive exam instead of weld repair (N-818)
The petitioner proposes including ASME Code Case N-818 to allow the use of non-destructive examination (NDE) and fracture mechanics to accept full penetration butt welds instead of performing weld repairs. The petitioner argues this approach is technically sound, based on light-water reactor experience, and can reduce the likelihood of in-service failures.
Allow flexible timing for preservice inspection (N-907)
The petitioner requests including ASME Code Case N-907 to permit performing preservice inspection (PSI) during construction at different times. The petitioner states there is no safety concern with PSI timing and that allowing flexibility offers significant schedule efficiencies and potential cost savings.
Use ultrasonic exam instead of radiography for welds (N-659)
The petitioner asks the NRC to accept ASME Code Case N-659 to allow ultrasonic examination (UT) in lieu of radiography for weld examination during construction. The petitioner states UT has a long history in commercial codes, is safe and practical, and would produce significant schedule efficiencies and potential cost savings in the field.
Allow alternatives for definitions without exemptions
The petitioner requests revising the applicability of 10 CFR 50.55a(y) and (z) so alternative definitions can be approved through the relief request process instead of requiring separate exemptions. The petitioner says this change would avoid administrative burden and speed reviews by letting alternatives be handled under 10 CFR 50.55a(z) rather than through exemption requests.
Allow audit due-date extensions in exigent conditions (N-915)
The petitioner requests inclusion of ASME Code Case N-915 to permit extension of internal and supplier audit due dates during exigent conditions. The petitioner notes audit extensions were used during the COVID-19 pandemic without documented safety consequences and says this flexibility supports supply-chain management and efficiency.
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: 2025-10261, Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
This document fixes some typos and technical mistakes in the Medicare payment rules for hospitals that were first shared in April 2025. It affects hospitals getting Medicare payments for inpatient care and updates the rules for quality programs and payment rates for fiscal year 2026. These corrections make sure everything is clear and accurate before final decisions are made.
Next: 2025-10332, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Engines
The FAA wants to keep certain Pratt & Whitney engines safe by checking for cracks in key parts like turbine hubs and disks. If cracks show up, those parts must be fixed or replaced to avoid engine trouble during flights. Engine owners need to act fast and comment by July 21, 2025, or risk costly repairs later.