NRC Drafts Rules for Weirder Nuclear Reactor Materials
Published Date: 9/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating its guidance to help review new types of nuclear reactors that don’t use regular water, called non-light water reactors. This update adds important info about materials and safety rules to make sure these reactors are safe and reliable. If you’re involved in designing or regulating these reactors, now’s the time to share your thoughts before November 5, 2026!
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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: 2026-19216, Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change as Modified by Partial Amendment No. 1, by the Options Clearing Corporation Concerning the Payment of Interest on Margin Cash
The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is updating how it pays interest on cash that members put up as margin. This change helps manage risks and keeps things running smoothly for traders and clearing members. The new rules kick in quickly and aim to make sure everyone’s money is handled safely and fairly.
Next: 2026-19218, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address Internal Inconsistencies in Rule 22.260 in Advance of the Launch of IEX Options
IEX is fixing confusing parts of its Rule 22.260 to get ready for launching IEX Options. This change helps traders by making the rules clearer and easier to follow, with no extra costs or delays. The update is effective immediately, so everyone can trade smoothly when IEX Options go live.