NRC Hikes Nuke Fees, But Futuristic Reactors Score Discounts
Published Date: 6/24/2025
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects starting in fiscal year 2025. These changes make sure the NRC recovers nearly all its costs, while giving a break with lower hourly rates for advanced nuclear reactor applicants. If you’re involved with nuclear licensing or inspections, get ready for new fees and some savings on cutting-edge tech!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NRC to Recover ~100% of Costs
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will change licensing, inspection, special project, and annual fees so it recovers approximately 100 percent of its annual budget starting in Fiscal Year 2025. If you hold or apply for an NRC license, expect your fees to change because the NRC is increasing recovery of its costs.
Lower Hourly Rates for Advanced Reactors
The NRC will adopt a reduced hourly rate for applicants and pre-applicants of advanced nuclear reactors for certain activities, as required by the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024. This change applies beginning in Fiscal Year 2025 and lowers NRC hourly fees for those advanced reactor developers.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06048 — Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors
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