NRC Tells Blue Energy to Boost Nuclear Secrets Protection
Published Date: 4/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission just told Blue Energy, Inc. to step up its game in protecting sensitive nuclear information starting March 26, 2026. This means Blue Energy must follow new rules to keep important secrets safe, helping protect everyone. If you’re involved with Blue Energy, get ready for tighter security and no extra costs announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Order imposes SGI protections on Blue Energy
The NRC issued an Order effective March 26, 2026 requiring Blue Energy, Inc. and all persons who seek or obtain access to the specified Safeguards Information (SGI) to comply with 10 CFR 73.21, 10 CFR 73.22, and the additional conditions in the Order. The Order imposes new access limits, storage restrictions, and procedural requirements for handling SGI designated by this Order.
Reviewing official nomination and FBI checks
Blue Energy must nominate one individual as a reviewing official and submit that person's fingerprints within 20 days of the Order to allow an FBI criminal history records check. Only an NRC-approved reviewing official may make SGI access determinations for other identified individuals.
Storage limited to NRC-approved facilities
Blue Energy may store SGI designated by this Order only in facilities specifically approved in writing by the NRC; Blue Energy may request NRC approval of additional facilities for SGI storage and NRC will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
Fingerprint processing fees and payment rules
Licensees must pay the fingerprint processing fee (the FBI user fee plus an NRC administrative processing fee) at application time using accepted electronic payment methods (www.pay.gov); the NRC publishes the fee amount on its public website. One free resubmission is allowed if the FBI rejects fingerprints for unreadable impressions; additional resubmissions require a new payment.
Exemptions from fingerprinting requirement
Certain categories (e.g., Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel in the U.S.; Agreement State inspectors conducting security inspections for the NRC; members of Congress; certain congressional staff; IAEA or certain foreign government representatives; individuals with a favorable U.S. Government criminal history check within the last 5 years; or individuals with active U.S. Federal security clearances) are exempted from the fingerprinting requirement under 10 CFR 73.59, subject to documentation.
Challenge and appeal rights and deadlines
Individuals nominated as reviewing officials will receive the FBI criminal history record and have 10 days to initiate a challenge to the FBI record; they may also appeal an NRC branch chief's denial or revocation of access within 20 days, and the division director must render a decision within 60 days of receipt of the appeal.
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Key Dates
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