NRC Tweaks Boiler Codes for Safer Nuclear Boilers
Published Date: 2/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its rules to include the latest 2023 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, helping keep nuclear power plants safe and running smoothly. This update lets plant operators use new engineering options and includes some small fixes. If you’re involved with nuclear plants, get ready to review and comment by April 28, 2026—this could affect how inspections and tests are done, but won’t add extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
NRC Adopts 2023 ASME BPV Code
The NRC proposes to incorporate by reference the 2023 Edition (Division 1) of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code into 10 CFR 50.55a, allowing nuclear power plant licensees and applicants to use the latest ASME code provisions, with NRC-specified conditions. The rulemaking also proposes incorporation by reference of revised regulatory guides so licensees can use newly listed ASME code cases as voluntary alternatives for construction, inservice inspection, and inservice testing.
Draft Analysis Shows Multi‑Million Net Savings
The NRC's draft regulatory analysis estimates the proposed rule would produce a total net benefit (industry plus NRC) of approximately $9.52 million (7-percent NPV) to $11.72 million (3-percent NPV). The analysis reports industry averted operation costs of about $6.65 million to $9.58 million and net combined benefits in the ranges shown in Table I of the document.
Regulatory Guides List New Code Cases
The NRC proposes to incorporate by reference three draft regulatory guides (RG 1.84 Revision 41 (DG-1446), RG 1.147 Revision 22 (DG-1447), and RG 1.192 Revision 6 (DG-1448)) that list ASME code cases the NRC has determined are acceptable for voluntary use. The NRC also notes a proposed version of RG 1.193 (DG-1449) that lists code cases the NRC has not approved for generic use.
Limits on Mechanical Clamping Device Use
The NRC proposes to add conditions that prohibit use of ASME Section XI Appendix W (mechanical clamping devices) for Class 1 piping, piping that forms part of the containment boundary, piping larger than NPS 2 when temperature or pressure exceed 200 °F (95 °C) or 275 psig (1,900 kPa), and piping greater than NPS 6. The proposal would maintain prior prohibitions and require case-by-case NRC approval where Appendix W was previously allowed only by alternate request.
Radiographic Film Record Retention Rules
The NRC proposes conditions requiring that reasonable protection from deterioration of radiographic film include the reproduction provisions in NCA-4134.17(c) of the 2023 ASME BPV Code and that reproductions be retained as lifetime records per Table NCA-4134.17-1 or as nonpermanent records per Table NCA-4134.17-2 (10-year retention for nonpermanent radiographic film). These proposed conditions preserve the current record-retention approach from the 2021 Edition.
NDE Personnel Recertification Clarified
The NRC proposes removing one prior provision and clarifying that a 5-year recertification interval for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) personnel is acceptable when accompanied by the prescribed hands-on practice and other prerequisites in the ASME Code. The NRC cites ASME support and international experience with ISO 9712 as part of its rationale.
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
2026-14341, 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.
2026-06048, Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its rules to make it easier and faster to approve new types of nuclear reactors, not just the old light-water ones. This change helps companies building advanced reactors by using smarter, risk-based rules that fit new technology. The new rules start on April 29, 2026, and could save time and money for the nuclear industry and the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03968, Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations To Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH)
CMS wants your ideas to help stop healthcare fraud and protect taxpayer money. They’re thinking about new rules to catch sneaky scams in Medicare and Medicaid, and they need feedback by March 30, 2026. If you’re involved in healthcare or just care about fair spending, this could affect you!
Next: 2026-04013, Mandatory Manufacturing Cost Survey Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The USDA wants to start mandatory surveys to collect info on how much it costs to make dairy products and how much product is made. Dairy producers will need to share this info, helping USDA understand costs better and improve the dairy market. Comments on the plan are open until March 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!