NRC Grants Nuclear Plant Over 60 Years for Decommissioning
Published Date: 2/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Constellation Energy got the green light to take more than 60 years to finish cleaning up the Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Unit 1 after it stopped working. This means they can safely wrap up the decommissioning without rushing, keeping things safe and sound. The exemption was officially approved on February 19, 2026, with no extra costs announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Decommissioning Delay Approved through 2071
If you live near the Dresden Nuclear Power Station in Grundy County, Illinois, the NRC allowed Dresden Unit 1 to finish decommissioning beyond the usual 60-year limit. The license now requires decommissioning of Unit 1 to occur 20 years after permanent shutdown of either Unit 2 or Unit 3 (whichever is earlier) and in no case later than 2071.
SAFSTOR Continued with Ongoing NRC Inspections
If you live near the plant, Dresden Unit 1 will remain in SAFSTOR (long-term storage) during the extended decommissioning period, and the NRC will continue inspections as described in the Updated Final Safety Analysis Report, technical specifications, and licensee procedures.
No New NEPA Environmental Review Required
The NRC determined this exemption meets the categorical exclusion in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(25), so it will not prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the exemption that extends decommissioning of Dresden Unit 1.
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