Nukes Get Wall Exemption: Build Now, Approve Later
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave SMR, LLC and Palisades SMR, LLC the green light to build permanent support walls for Pioneer Units 1 and 2 before getting full work approval. These walls will stay put even after construction finishes, helping keep things safe and steady. This exemption was officially issued on August 28, 2026, speeding up the project without extra costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allowing permanent excavation walls early
The NRC granted Palisades SMR, LLC and SMR, LLC an exemption effective August 28, 2026 that lets them install and retire in place permanent support-of-excavation (SOE) walls (diaphragm walls, soldier pile soil‑mix walls, and perimeter cutoff walls) before a limited work authorization (LWA) or construction permit is issued. This avoids the need to remove temporary supports later and reduces schedule delays and removal costs for the applicant.
Prevents delay of 680 MW clean power
Because the exemption avoids construction delays, it reduces the chance of delaying 680 megawatts of clean, lower‑cost energy for working families and small businesses in Michigan. The NRC staff cited that without the exemption a significant time delay and increased construction costs could delay that 680 megawatts of generation.
NRC finds no safety or environmental harm
The NRC concluded the exemption would not present an undue risk to public health and safety and issued an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on August 25, 2026. The staff found the SOE walls would be isolated from safety‑related structures, that geologic mapping and monitoring will be performed, and that redress and future analyses are required in licensing.
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