NRC Approves Uranium Mine Expansion to Nebraska's Marsland – No Rockets Required
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing Crow Butte Resources' license to keep mining uranium safely in Nebraska for 20 more years. This includes expanding operations to a new area called Marsland, with no big environmental problems expected. Local communities and the environment can breathe easy as the project moves forward without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
20-Year License Enables Uranium Production
The NRC is considering renewing Crow Butte Resources' license for an additional 20 years so CBR could continue in‑situ recovery (ISR) of uranium and produce up to 2,000,000 pounds of yellowcake per year. The renewal describes a processing facility maximum flow rate of 9,000 gpm (excluding restoration flow) and uranium recovery from the Basal Chadron Sandstone at depths of about 400 to 900 feet.
Groundwater Restoration and Land Reclamation Duties
After operations at a wellfield cease, CBR would perform aquifer restoration to meet groundwater standards consistent with 10 CFR part 40, Appendix A, Criterion 5B(5) (and if applicable 5B(6)), followed by reclamation and decommissioning with a goal to return disturbed lands to conditions at least equal in quality to pre‑ISR conditions.
NRC Finds No Significant Environmental Impact
On July 30, 2026, the NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for renewing Crow Butte's license, concluding that preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required. The FONSI covers the Crow Butte Project and the Marsland Expansion Area in Dawes County, Nebraska.
Temporary Construction Noise and Habitat Loss
If the Marsland Expansion Area is constructed, the NRC expects temporary construction impacts such as noise affecting the nearest resident and localized, temporary loss and slow recovery of forest habitat. The NRC also concluded that MEA operations would not result in significant long‑term radiological risk to public health.
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: 2026-15337, Food Safety Modernization Act Third-Party Certification Program User Fee Rate for Fiscal Year 2027
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2027 annual fee rate for recognized accreditation bodies and accredited certification bodies, and the initial and renewal fee rate for accreditation bodies applying to be recognized in the third-party certification program authorized by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). We are also announcing the fee rate for certification bodies applying for direct FDA accreditation.
Next: 2026-15339, Animal Drug User Fee Rates and Payment Procedures for Fiscal Year 2027
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is announcing the fee rates and payment procedures for fiscal year (FY) 2027 animal drug user fees. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 (ADUFA V), authorizes FDA to collect user fees for certain animal drug applications and supplemental animal drug applications, for certain animal drug products, for certain establishments where such products are made, and for certain sponsors of such animal drug applications and/or investigational animal drug submissions. This notice establishes the fee rates for FY 2027.