NRC Begins Review for Michigan Mini-Reactors
Published Date: 6/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Palisades SMR, LLC wants to build two small nuclear reactors in Covert, Michigan, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is starting a 30-day public comment period to explore the environmental effects. This means locals and anyone interested can share their thoughts by July 15, 2026, to help shape the project’s review. The NRC and the Army Corps of Engineers will work together to make sure the project is safe and environmentally sound before construction begins.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Limited Work Authorization Allows Early Site Work
If the NRC issues a limited work authorization (LWA) under 10 CFR 50.10(d), limited construction activities could begin before the construction permit is issued, including soil improvement within the excavation and installation of certain foundations. This would permit early site disturbance at the Palisades Energy Center in Covert, Michigan, ahead of full construction authorization.
New SMR Plant to Add ~680 MW Baseload Power
The proposed Pioneer Units 1 and 2 would be two SMR-300 units co-located at the Palisades Energy Center and are expected to produce approximately 680 megawatts electric net of baseload generation capacity. The project is described as providing baseload electricity to the regional power grid to help meet growing demand and support Michigan's and national energy goals.
Draft EIS Will Assess Wide Range of Environmental Effects
The NRC will prepare a draft environmental impact statement that analyzes effects on air quality; geology; surface and groundwater; terrestrial and aquatic ecological resources; land use; socioeconomics; radiological and nonradiological health and waste; the uranium fuel cycle; decommissioning; cultural resources; and transportation of fuel. The draft EIS will be published later for public and agency review and comment.
30-Day Public Scoping Comment Window
The NRC opened a 30-day public scoping period for the environmental impact statement; you can submit comments on the EIS scope by July 15, 2026. Comments may be submitted online at Regulations.gov (Docket ID NRC-2026-0265), by email, or by mail as described in the notice.
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