NRC Updates Rulemaking Rules for Boring Efficiency Gains
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations by streamlining procedural provisions related to information withholding and post-promulgation comment periods; aligning the NRC's regulations with Committee Management Secretariat (CMS) Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) standards; and updating national security eligibility criteria. The goal is to modernize and clarify the NRC's regulatory framework to ensure consistency with government-wide standards and improve administrative efficiency. The scope includes updates to outdated provisions and revisions to ensure compliance with current federal policies. This action is being taken in response to Executive Order 14300, "Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission."
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Requests to Withhold Documents
If you submit commercial, financial, or proprietary material to the NRC and ask that it be withheld from public view, the NRC changed 10 CFR 2.390 to remove the requirement that you include a statement describing the harm that would result if information were disclosed. The rule retains an affidavit requirement for withholding requests (except for personal privacy information) but allows the Commission to waive the affidavit in appropriate circumstances.
Post-Rule Comment Periods Now Voluntary
The NRC amended 10 CFR 2.804 so that the agency 'may' — rather than 'shall' — provide a post-promulgation comment period in specified instances. This makes those post-promulgation comment periods discretionary and could reduce guaranteed opportunities for public comment where exceptions to notice-and-comment under the Administrative Procedure Act apply.
Advisory Committees Align With FACA Rules
The NRC revised 10 CFR part 7 to conform its advisory committee rules to GSA's December 16, 2025 FACA regulations. The updates change terminology, chartering, membership appointment steps, reporting, and procedural expectations for NRC advisory committees to match government-wide standards.
Security Clearance Criteria Codified to SEAD 4
The NRC updated 10 CFR part 10 to replace detailed adjudicatory criteria with a high-level reference to the whole-person concept and to the national security adjudicative standards in SEAD 4. The rule codifies standards already used in NRC Management Directive 12.3 and does not change existing adjudicative processes for access authorizations or employment clearances.
NRC Says No Significant Small-Business Cost
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the NRC certified that this direct final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The NRC's regulatory analysis states the amendments are administrative or conforming and are expected to have minimal economic impact.
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
2026-13687, 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.
2026-08015, 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.
2026-04823, Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2026
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects for fiscal year 2026. These changes aim to cover nearly all NRC costs and set fixed fee limits to boost efficiency and fairness. If you’re involved with the NRC, get ready for new fees by September 30, 2026, and don’t miss the April 13 deadline to share your thoughts!
2025-14147, Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2025
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fixed a typo in their fee schedule for 2025. This update affects companies and government agencies that pay licensing and inspection fees, making sure the right amounts are charged. The corrected fees kick in soon, so everyone can plan their budgets without surprises!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16370, Reforms to 13 CFR 124.103 To Remove SBA's 8(a) Program's Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only. Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms
The U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA" or "Agency") amends its regulations to align the Section 8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) BD program) with constitutional requirements and the law. The rule applies only to the 8(a) BD eligibility of small businesses owned and controlled by individuals. It does not in any way amend or affect the eligibility of entity-owned small businesses (i.e., those owned by tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, or Community Development Corporations). Specifically, the rule amends SBA's regulations to remove the rebuttable presumption that individuals belonging to certain designated groups are socially disadvantaged and sets forth revised standards for individuals establishing social disadvantage.
Next: 2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.