NRC to Bureaucrats: Three Nuke Rules Dead on Arrival
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is stopping three rulemaking projects as of February 25, 2026. This means these rules won’t move forward, and the public won’t see updates about them anymore. People and businesses involved with nuclear safety won’t face new changes or costs from these discontinued rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
GROA Security Rulemaking Stopped
The NRC has discontinued the proposed rule on security and material control at a geologic repository operations area (GROA). This rulemaking is stopped as of February 25, 2026, so licensees and others involved with spent nuclear fuel or high-level waste will not see the proposed new training, access authorization, defensive strategy, reporting, or emergency-plan requirements move forward.
GROA Fitness-for-Duty Rule Halted
The NRC has stopped the planned rule to amend fitness-for-duty requirements at a geologic repository operations area, including fatigue provisions and reinstatement of alcohol and drug provisions. The discontinuation took effect February 25, 2026, so personnel programs at GROAs will not be changed by this rulemaking.
Enhanced Weapons Follow-On Rule Terminated
The NRC has terminated the follow-on rulemaking to implement Section 161A authority for enhanced weapons and related firearms background checks for spent fuel protection. The termination is effective February 25, 2026; the NRC noted lack of interest from additional licensee classes and a change in priorities, so no new rule expanding enhanced-weapons authority will be issued now.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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