Nuclear Fuel Storage Baskets Get Lighter Under NRC Update
Published Date: 11/3/2026
Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is giving the green light to a new update for the NUHOMS® system that stores used nuclear fuel safely. This update, effective November 9, 2026, makes the storage baskets lighter, easier to build, and more efficient. Nuclear facilities using these storage casks will benefit from these improvements without any extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Approved lighter 61BTH storage basket
The NRC approved Amendment No. 19 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1004 to allow a new 61BTH improved basket design with staggered plates (like the 24PTH Type 3, EOS 37PTH, and 89BTH designs). The rule becomes effective November 9, 2026, and the amendment is described as simplifying construction, reducing weight, and improving fabricability — and the summary states affected nuclear facilities will benefit without extra costs or delays.
No site-specific environmental analyses required
The NRC states that specific environmental assessments are not required for these changes because 10 CFR 51.22(a)(12) provides a categorical exclusion. This means sites implementing the amendment do not need to complete site-specific environmental analyses for this rulemaking.
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