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119-hr-9658119th Congress

Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Spartz, Victoria [R-IN-5]

Introduced

Summary

Streamlining NRC licensing and authorizing at-risk construction for uranium enrichment plants. This bill would expand the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's use of informal hearings and allow the Commission to issue construction or operating permits without a hearing if no affected person requests one after 30 days' notice.

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  • Developers and investors: Would be allowed to begin construction of uranium enrichment facilities before receiving a final license under an "at-risk" model, subject to NRC oversight and the same terms used for other fuel cycle facilities.
  • Communities and other interested persons: Would keep the right to request hearings under section 189, but the NRC could rely more on informal adjudication and may dispense with the 30-day notice or a hearing for certain amendments that present no significant hazards.
  • NRC operations and policy: Would require the NRC to issue or revise regulations within 180 days to implement these changes and notes that actions should remain consistent with existing prohibitions on Russian uranium imports.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster NRC licensing and hearings

This bill would let the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issue construction permits, operating licenses, combined permits/licenses, or amendments without a hearing if no affected person asks for one. The NRC would have to give 30 days' notice and publish its intent once in the Federal Register before issuing without a hearing. The NRC could skip the 30-day notice for amendments it finds involve no significant hazards consideration. The NRC would be allowed to use informal adjudicatory procedures for hearings. The NRC would have to update its hearing and licensing rules within 180 days after enactment, and the changes would apply to cases pending on or after enactment.

Start building uranium enrichment plants

This bill would allow a company to start construction of a uranium enrichment facility before the NRC issues a license under sections 53 and 63. Pre-license construction would be treated the same as other fuel cycle facilities and remain subject to NRC regulation. The NRC would keep authority to regulate construction and could deny a license if work does not meet regulatory requirements. Any person whose interest may be affected would still be able to request a hearing under section 189. The bill would express that import limits on uranium from Russia should remain in effect and would require the NRC to issue implementing rules within 180 days after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Spartz, Victoria [R-IN-5]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4]

    KY • R

    Sponsored 7/13/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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